Yantras or Mechanical Contrivances in Ancient India c2.169

c2.169

Now to the *Karman* or action of these: Machines are characterized not only by an action peculiar to each but also by the particular times when they are to operate. The speciality of some is sound; of some, height, form or touch; and so on. Action is across, upward, downward, backward, forward, on either side, speeding and crawling. Another factor is the time taken for the action. In sound, the factors are variety, the quality of pleasing or the capacity to terrify. In contrivances for pure entertainment, music, dance, drama and imitation of different things and beings are the main factors, each, like music and dance, having its sub-varieties. In motion, going up and coming down. For the reproduction of whole themes in machinery, Bhoja instances the fight between the Devas and the Asuras, the churning of the ocean, Nṛsiṁha killing Hiraṇyakaśipu, races, elephant-fights, a mock-army, etc. (50-62).³⁵