History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c33.s2: Vedic Age
History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c33.s2
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Vedic Age
v1.c33.s2.1
The Vedic Indians who lived in the mid 2nd millennium B.C. followed a rural economy where cattle was the dominant feature. The vedic literature implies the movement of these tribes towards the East with their cattle, driving in carts and chariots.
v1.c33.s2.2
As pointed out by M. Sparebrooke, “on the Indian continent, famous for its cherishing long unbroken traditions, the chariot figured prominently throughout its early history, and even in the present day India, reminiscences of the ancient Vedic battle chariot have been preserved.
v1.c33.s2.3
The huge ceremonial vehicles in which a God is pulled through the streets on festive occasions are still called ‘Chariot’ and frequently horses and charioteers sculptured, or of wood are represented on it."
v1.c33.s2.4
In the Vedic period, chariots are mentioned in the texts frequently. No material evidence of any mode of transport, especially vehicles have been found possibly because like ancient temples they were made probably mostly of perishable materials such as bamboo, wood and cloth, and were, probably never buried. The chariot in the Vedic Index is described as a light vehicle with two spoked wheels, drawn by two horses, sometimes four.
v1.c33.s2.5
The material of the hymn collection, implies a prior knowledge of the chariot. The chariot race is frequently mentioned in the *Rgveda* and was often used to propitiate the Gods. These races were attached with religious significance.
v1.c33.s2.6
From the time of the *Rgveda*, the greatness of the chariots is praised and Soma is compared to it. The chariots driven by the Vedic deities also attained a divinity.
v1.c33.s2.7
The *Brāhmaṇas* express the efficacy of the chariot by identifying it with Indra’s *Vajra*. It played an important role during the performances of ceremonies, — like the *Vājpeya* *Rājasūya* and *Aśvamedha* sacrifices.
Linked texts (2)
- Ṛgvedasaṃhitā — Sanskrit
- Brāhmaṇa — Sanskrit