History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s6.63

v1.c24.s6.63

A critical analysis shows that the device in ancient sources was similar to noria in some cases, but in others it was nearer to the Persian wheel. The Upamitibhavaprapañcakathā the chain of pots is mentioned as mounted on the wheel and as quite separate from it; the pots are not attached to the rim of the wheel. There is no clear reference to a gear system in the device, but neither is there a reference to the rotation of the wheel through manual labour. The text implies that there were many other parts of the device (sarvasāmagrīsaṃyukta), besides those specifically mentioned. The references to the device revolving continuously and through its own action also suit a Persian wheel.