[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Yantras or Mechanical Contrivances in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952) › c2.64 # Yantras or Mechanical Contrivances in Ancient India c2.64 Yantras or Mechanical Contrivances in Ancient India c2.64 - **Language:** English ### [c2.64](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.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\*. - [Previous: c2.63](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2.63) - [Next: c2.65](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2.65) - [Up: c2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2) ## Linked texts (1) - [Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra](https://indike.org/pramana/in.niti.artha.kautilya) — Kauṭilya, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2.64](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2.64) · Pramāṇa