Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c38.s4.4

v2.c38.s4.4

Several names were used to indicate an arrow: *iṣu, bāṇa, bunda, śaru, śarya, śaryā, saru* and *sāyaka*. Copper-tipped arrows were evidently not enough to kill the enemy, and therefore poisonous materials were used on the tips: *ālāktā ayomukham iṣu* (6.75.15). There were several kinds of javelins or spears to be thrown at the enemies: *sṛka* (*srja* means to let go or fly), *pavi* (10.180.2), *ṛṣṭi* (1.37.1, 1.64.4, 8.20.11 etc.). The action is clearly conveyed in the text *ṛṣṭiḥ asṛkṣata* (5.52.6). *Vajra* (1.32.2, 1.51.7, 6.23.4) was probably a spear or a barbed harpoon. The metal spike (*śūla*, 1.162.11) and the knife (*sūna*, 1.162.13) could be used either for offensive combats or in connection with cooking.