History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c27.s3.t2: Parts of body
History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c27.s3.t2
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Parts of body
v1.c27.s3.t2.1
Importance of parts of body is given in sloka 1 in chapter 2 of Aśvavaidyakam, which reads ‘The fool, who does not know the sign of horse’s body in detail, does not know the sign of horse nor the treatment of their diseases’. In fact this fundamental aspect is given in the very second chapter, after devoting first chapter to the scope and purpose of the book (Uddeśaḥ). Different parts of body are described in precise topological sequence starting from the mouth to the back dorsally, downward upto the sole, and then ventrally.
v1.c27.s3.t2.2
Our ancients were equally concerned with measurements of body parts in the normal state of health. For this parameter, they had evolved a methodology suited to the timeframe, when education was imparted through recitation of slokas. Slokas 145-147 of Śukranīti reads ‘If an image is to be made, the appropriate pattern should always be placed in front. No image can be made without a model. So the artist should frame the limbs after meditating on the horse in the manner indicated’.
v1.c27.s3.t2.3
In the ślokas 85-144 of Śukranīti, comparative dimensions of body parts of horse are given; ślokas 79-82 deals with elephants and 299-300 with bulls. Unit of measurements are Angula or Finger’s width called Muska (4 angulas), Cubit (length of arm) and length of face. Detail of measurements cover lengths, widths, heights, ‘circumferences and spaces and they correspond well to what is given in modern anatomy books.
v1.c27.s3.t2.4
Thumb of rule for dimensions of bulls are ‘Circumferences of belly is four times that of face, the height together with hump is three times the face and length is 3.5 times the face’.