Yantras or Mechanical Contrivances in Ancient India c2.64

c2.64

A *Tālavṛnta* mentioned is explained as a *Vātacakra*, the significance of which is obscure. We may suggest that here was a device to create a tempest which could demoralize the enemy ranks. The observation of Philostratus, relating to Alexander's invasion of India; that Indians drive the enemy off "'by means of tempest and thunders, as if from heaven,"¹⁰ may, however, be only an echo of the epic *Vāyavya-astra*.