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History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c33.s8.t1: Chariots

History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c33.s8.t1

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English

Chariots

v1.c33.s8.t1.1

The *Aham* and *Puram* literature give ample evidence of chariots - as an important means of transport, and that it was drawn by horses. *Aham* (36:13) stresses the importance of chariots. The line also reveals that horses were called *puravigal*.

v1.c33.s8.t1.2

The *Sirupāṇārrupaḍai* explains how the chariots were made. In a beautiful verse, the wheel of the chariot is compared to the moon on a Full Moon Day. The spokes that connect the outer layer of the wheel to the inner axle are compared to the rays of the moon. The “*palagaigal*” that were attached to the inner layer of the chariot gave it a shine that matched the brilliance of the moon.

v1.c33.s8.t1.3

The *Purananuru* (verse 290: 4-5) extolls the exquisite workmanship of the blacksmith, that was clearly revealed in the making of chariots, that moved so easily and smoothly. The chariots were drawn by attractive horses or bulls with a graceful gait.

v1.c33.s8.t1.4

The *Sirupāṇārrupaḍai* terms the movement of vehicles in a single row as ‘*olugai*’. The work also cites the merchants ingenious method of making monkeys follow them at the back for the sake of safety.

v1.c33.s8.t1.5

The *Purāṇānuru* (32:8) wonders if the wheel used by the potter to make his pottery was called *ther-kāl* since it resembled the wheel of the chariot(*ther*). Another such verse indicates the condition of the streets from the fact that clouds of dusts rose when the chariots passed by. Streets with curves are also mentioned.

Linked texts (3)