History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c33.s7.t3.6

v1.c33.s7.t3.6

The paintings of Ajanta give ample proof of shipping activities. One of the paintings shows a vessel with high stern and three oblong sails attached to three upright masts. The vessel is of the agramandira type as defined in the Yuktikalpataru. This work can be dated to 11th century A.D. and gives graphic information on ship building in ancient India. The fact that the painting (dated earlier than the work) depicts a vessels that corresponds to a later description shows that the models did not undergo much change. Two types of ships are also mentioned, *Sāmānya* for inland traffic and *Viśeṣa* for sea traffic. Each is in turn divided into various categories.