History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c33.s7.t1: Pre-Christian Era - Sunga, Kṣatrapa-Śātavāhana periods
History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c33.s7.t1
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Pre-Christian Era - Sunga, Kṣatrapa-Śātavāhana periods
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A network of roads developed early in the Christian era from this old route linking all the important cities of the Peninsula. Terracotta wheels without spokes and hub continued to be in use as is testified from the findings from stratified deposits at Varanasi.
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A cart frame has been found depicted in a terracotta tablet known from Bangarh datable to about 2nd century B.C. This cart frame has a curved tip. The frame is of horizontal bamboo posts. It possesses a central axle evenly spaced for balance.
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In the latter part of the 2nd century B.C. some changes occur in the technological features, Broader frames, thicker yokes and refined cart wheels seem to develop during this period. There is more variety in the treatment of outer frames which indicates the sophistication of its use, and its growing popularity in the urban centres.
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Two important types are found:
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1) Cart-frames depicting features like axle, pole and wheels. Example is a specimen from Atranjikhera datable to the second half of 2nd century B.C. It is a typical cart frame drawn by single or two bullocks - possibly a popular mode of transport during the period.
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2) The second type depicts the animals in front with an open back, and passengers seated inside the vehicle. This type seems to have been popular at Kauśāmbī, which has yielded one of the best specimens carrying four men and two women (Margabandhu).
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The earlier specimens datable to 2nd and 1st century B.C. are more ornate while those of latter times (datable upto 2nd century A.D.) are crude. But these seem to be larger vehicles to accommodate more passengers.
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One T.C. Plaque from Pāṭaliputra has a warrior aiming bow and arrow. A charioteer holds the animals. The scene depicts the wheel in motion. The ovaloid feature indicates the fast rotating wheel. The entire plaque is a unique representation interpreted as Lord Sūrya. A technologically similar model from Kauśāmbī (in conventional representation) has been found. These are probably datable to 1st century B.C.
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Toy models from Brahamapuri, Carsada, Rairh, Raṅgmahal, Sambhar and Taxila are very similar to modern types. These are available in copper bronze and terracotta. The types consist of simple carts (ekkā), bullock carts, horse-drawn chariots, light racing chariot, etc. These have transverse holes for axle under-neath the body and another hole for the pole in front. The wheels show heavy and clearly defined hubs and fellies (Margabandhu).
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Some of the examples have circular projections at the rear with 11 bars which not only kept the weight balanced but also provided more space for sitting and luggage. Brahmapuri has yielded evidence of covered wagons made of copper.
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A two-wheeled vehicle has been recorded from Sirkap(c100 A.D) which according to Marshall “appeared to be a sort of light racing chariot”. Similar transport vehicles was also represented at Brahmapuri (Maharashtra).
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Literary references testify that merchants and traders moved along in caravans with their commodities so as to avoid being attacked.
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Spoked wheels with one hub-on the outer side come into existence around the beginning of the Christian era.
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Availability of bridles, checkbars and stirrups suggest that horse-drawn chariots were common during this period.
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The chief material evidence can be divided into
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1) Rock paintings
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2) Parts of bridle-equipment
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3) Toy vehicles
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4) Sculptured representation of temple-reliefs. A grave at Nagpur has yielded an early pair of stirrups and a snaffle. This is similar to a specimen from Taxila and has been suggested closer to 3rd and 4th centuries B.C.
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A number of seals depict chariots. On a seal from Jhusi (2nd century B.C), the hindlegs of horses and a chariot-wheel are visible with 2 persons sitting in it.
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From a plaque from Bhita (Varanasi dist.) dated 2nd century B.C. a chariot is discernable.
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Stirrup bits at Sambhar (200 B.C) made of iron has been identified as a child’s stirrup. Chariots are also seen depicted on the stupa gateways of Sāñcī. The sculptured panels are normally ascribed to 1st century A.D.
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Sāñcī Stupa I: Front of Southern gateway - middle architrave - Aśoka’s visit to the stupa of Rāmagrāma. The chariot is drawn by horses with complete bridle equipment. The wheel has about 14 spokes, elongated in a diamond shape. It depicts infantry, cavalry, elephantry and chariots.
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Stupa-I
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Northern pillar of Eastern gateway shows King Suddhodhana leaving his town in a chariot accompanied by an elephant with a rider. The Sātavāhana times indulged in great maritime activity. This is evidenced by the Andhra coinage which frequently feature a ship with two masts.