History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c37.32

c37.32

Description of iron guns and cannons are found in the Sanskrit work, entitled Sukraniti, or the 'Elements of Polity', by Sukracharya, which is possibly a compilation of the 16th century A D., though some authorities are inclined to place it at a much earlier date. *Sukraniti* describes two varieties of fire arms: *kshudra nalika*, small guns or match-locks, and *brihat nalika*, large guns or cannons. *Kshudra nalika* is 2½ cubits long, having a longitudinal bore of the thickness of the middle finger and provided with two raised points for the purpose of taking aims. These small guns were furnished with wooden handles *Brihat nalikas* or big guns had no wooden handles. They were moved about in carriages, and their range depended on the thickness of the metal plate and bore, as well as on their length.