[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) › c2.91 # Yantras or Mechanical Contrivances in Ancient India c2.91 Yantras or Mechanical Contrivances in Ancient India c2.91 - **Language:** English ### [c2.91](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2.91) Elliot also collected the following data pertaining to certain mechanical objects used in warfare in India: the \*Majmalu-t-Tawarikh\* says that the Brahmans advised²¹ their King to employ on the battle field an elephant of clay which, as soon as the enemies were sufficiently near, would explode and blow them up; more than the mere explosion, the device for timing it is to be noted here. Firdusi refers to a similar explosive Iron Horse which Alexander was advised to employ, and blacksmiths and artisans constructed 1,000 of these for Alexander. In a Chinese account of India, reference is made to the use in Indian warfare of flying ladders, wooden oxen and rolling horses. One of Muhammad Qasim's successors used a "battering ram with horns of great power and demolished with it the walls of the city." - [Previous: c2.90](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2.90) - [Next: c2.92](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2.92) - [Up: c2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2.91](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.raghavan-1952.c2.91) · Pramāṇa