Essay name: Archaeology and the Mahabharata (Study)
Author:
Gouri Lad
Affiliation: Deccan College Post Graduate And Research Institute / Department of AIHC and Archaeology
This study examines the Mahabharata from an archaeological perspective. The Maha-Bbharata is an ancient Indian epic written in Sanskrit—it represents a vast literary work with immense cultural and historical significance. This essay aims to use archaeology to verify and contextualize the Mahabharata's material aspects.
Chapter 13 - Vehicles in the Mahabharata
7 (of 21)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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felly, together known as nemi (VII.35.32), the spokes ara (VII.35.32) and the nave nabhi. Into the opening of the nave were inserted the two ends of the axle, known as akṣa (IX.13.14) and anukarsa (IX.13.7). (IX.13.7). To the axle was attached the main body of the chariot, kosa (VIII.26.56) which was divided into the fore-part, vandhura or bandhura (III. 230.30; VIII.68.24) containing the charioteer's seat, and the hind-part, jangha (VII.35.32). The inner part of the chariot was known as niḍa (VII.68.24), the warrior as adhisthana (V.179.10), while his seat was called talpa (III.231.5). Around the body of the chariot was fastened a wooden or metal ledge or gaurd, varutha (III.230.30; VII.42.59) as as a defence against collision. At right angles to the axle was the pole of the chariot, isa or kubara (VIII.17.110-111) to which was attached the yoke, yuga (VIII.17.110-111). The pole passed through a hole in the middle of the yoke, the pole and the yoke being tied together. To the either side of the yoke were harnessed the horses with the help of thongs, yoktra or yantra (VII.122.84; IX.13.14), the yoke being placed on their neck. The girth of the horses was called kaksya (VII.122.84), while the harness and the trappings were bhanda (II.54.4-6). The charioteer controlled the horses with reins, rasmi 443
