History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s6.62

v1.c24.s6.62

The text refers to sluices (*nirvahani*), channels, fields, seeds and a sower and adds that sown seeds, irrigated (*sikta*) by the *araghaṭṭa*, fructify into crop. It speaks of reservoirs (*pāṇantika*) attached to the well for the purposes of irrigation (secanārtham). The device is associated with a well so deep that its bottom in not visible. The text makes a clear distinction between the araghaṭṭa, the kūpa and the ghaṭīyantra. The araghaṭṭa is described as fitted with all the materials or parts. The text refers to four cultivators (karṣaka) also called sarathins (drivers of bullocks). The sixteen bullocks are speedy and agitated with vigour. The text speaks of two big gourds (tumbadvaya) only, but the number is dictated by the requirements of Jain philosophy and implies many pitchers. The term araka (spoke of the wheel) and the reference to the device revolving constantly (satatabhrama) indicate that the device is not ordinary pura or purahaṭa.