History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s6.57

v1.c24.s6.57

The Cullavagga (Nalanda ed., p.212, line 1) records the names of three water-lifting devices which were permitted to the monks by the Buddha: *tulam*, *karakaṭakam* and *cakkavaṭṭakam*. In drawing water many earthen pitchers (*bhajana*) are broken, hence the Buddha permitted the monks to use three kinds of vessels (*varaka*) made of iron, wood and leather. Buddhaghoṣa (fifth century) in his commentary *Samantapāsādikā* adds information about these devices. *Tulā* is the pulley for lifting water, resembling the balance of a merchant⁵⁸. *Karakataka* is the device for drawing water by hand or by yoking bulls and with the help of long straps or ropes. *Cakkavaṭṭaka* is the *arahaṭṭaghaṭiyantra*. The leather vessel attached to a *tulā* or a *karakaṭaka* was known as *cammakhaṇḍa*.