Changes

=== Ramayana ===

=== Ramayana ===

Interesting references are made by Valmlki to yantras on the field of battle, the continuity of which tradition we see later in the ''Arthashastra'' of Kautilya. In ''Ayodhya'' 100.53, hi the ''Kaccit-sarga,'' while enquiring about measures of defence, Rama asks Bharata whether the fort is equipped with yantras. Lanka, as a city built by Maya, is naturally more full of the yantras. The city, personified as a lady, is called ''yantra-agara-stani,'' informing us of a special chamber filled with yantras. ''(Sundara'' 3. 18 ). In his account to Rama of the fortifica- tions of Lanka, Hanuman says in ''Yuddha'' 3.12 that Lanka has four big gates and that each gate is furnished with strong and huge yantras that can hurl both arrows and stones ( ''Upala-yantras):''

Interesting references are made by Valmlki to yantras on the field of battle, the continuity of which tradition we see later in the ''Arthashastra'' of Kautilya. In Valmiki Ramayana we see the use of yantras for warfare and protection.<blockquote>कच्चित् सर्वाणि दुर्गाणि धन धान्य आयुध उदकैः | '''यन्त्रैः''' च परिपूर्णानि तथा शिल्पि धनुर्धरैः || २-१००-५३ (Rama. Ayod. Kand. 2.11.53)</blockquote>While enquiring about measures of defence, Rama asks Bharata whether the forts are equipped with money, grains, weapons, water and yantras as well as shilpikars and archers.

And over the moats are bridges which are controlled by numerous big yantras (3.16, 17). That such yantras were employed on the field is seen in a description of Kumbhakarna, in ''Yuddha'' 61.32, where his giant figure striding the streets of Lanka is compared to a huge yantra that has been set up :—

Lanka, as a city built by Maya, is naturally more full of the yantras. The city, personified as a lady, has ''yantra-agara-stani,'' special chamber filled with yantras (as the breast) in Sundarakanda as follows<blockquote>ताम् रत्न वसन उपेताम् कोष्ठ आगार अवतंसकाम् | यन्त्र अगार स्तनीम् ऋद्धाम् प्रमदाम् इव भूषिताम् || ५-३-१८ (Rama. Sund. Kand. 5.3.18)</blockquote>Hanuman looked at the city of the demon king, whose darkness was dispelled by bright gems and mighty mansions as if it were a young maiden. The prosperous city was like a well decorated woman, adorned with ornaments having walls for her dress, the stables for her earrings, the armouries for her breasts.<ref>Valmiki Ramayana from [https://www.valmiki.iitk.ac.in/sloka?field_kanda_tid=5&language=dv&field_sarga_value=3 Gitasupersite]</ref>

Mammoth machines turned by a large number of persons and making a terrific noise are to be seen in a description of Ravana, soon after he got the news of Indrajit's death. As he gnashed his teeth in fury, the noise was heard as of a big catapult being turned by Danavas.  

In his account to Rama of the fortifications of Lanka, Hanuman in Yuddhakanda, describes that Lanka has four big gates and that each gate is furnished with strong and huge yantras that can hurl both arrows and stones (''Upala-yantras):''<blockquote>तत्रेषूपयन्त्राणि बलवन्ति महान्ति च | आगतम् पर सैन्यम् तैस् तत्र प्रतिनिवार्यते || ६-३-१२ (Rama. Yudd. Kand. 6.3.12)</blockquote><blockquote>द्वारेषु तासाम् चत्वारः सम्क्रमाः परम आयताः | यन्त्रैर् उपेता बहुभिर् महद्भिर् दृढ संधिभिः || ६-३-१६ (Rama. Yudd. Kand. 6.3.16)</blockquote>And over the moats are extensive draw-bridges which are controlled by numerous big yantras. Against the approach of the enemy forces there, the draw-bridges are protected by the aforesaid engines and the enemy-battalions are flung into the moats on every side. That such yantras were employed on the field is seen in a description of Kumbhakarna, where his giant figure striding the streets of Lanka is compared to a huge yantra that has been set up  <blockquote>उच्यन्ताम् वानराः सर्वे यन्त्रमेतत्समुच्छ्रितम् | (Rama. Yudd. Kand. 6.61.33)</blockquote>Thus there are many instances in Ramayana where yantras were greatly used in warfare and the technology was very advanced.  

=== Arthashastra ===

=== Arthashastra ===

The ''Arthasdstra'' of Kautilya is one of the books of culture which throw a flood of light on the particular epochs in which they arose. This work of c. 300 B.C. being a treatise on statecraft, speaks of yantras in connection mainly with battles, but also with architecture to some extent. An early work, a theoretical treatise and a text of great reputation, the ''Arthasdstra'' forms our most valuable document on the subject of yantras.

The ''Arthasdstra'' of Kautilya is one of the books of culture which throw a flood of light on the particular epochs in which they arose. This being a treatise on statecraft, speaks of yantras in connection mainly with battles, but also with architecture to some extent. An early work, a theoretical treatise and a text of great reputation, the ''Arthashatra'' forms our most valuable document on the subject of yantras.

Before we come to its account of the main yantras of warfare, we shall note some of the other mechanical contrivances met with in Kautilya's work. In II. 5, he refers to a dugout, ''Bhumigriha,'' and mentions for it a mechanical staircase which can be thrown in and withdrawn ( ''Yantra-yukta-sopdna).'' While detailing the exact methods to be adopted for finishing off enemies and unwant- ed persons (XII. 5), Kautilya speaks of machines which could be conveniently pressed into service. When the unwanted person is entering a temple, from an overhead yantra there could be released on his head a piece of masonry or a stone to kill him instantly.  

Before we come to its account of the main yantras of warfare, we shall note some of the other mechanical contrivances met with in Kautilya's work. In II. 5, he refers to a dugout, ''Bhumigriha,'' and mentions for it a mechanical staircase which can be thrown in and withdrawn ( ''Yantra-yukta-sopdna).'' While detailing the exact methods to be adopted for finishing off enemies and unwant- ed persons (XII. 5), Kautilya speaks of machines which could be conveniently pressed into service. When the unwanted person is entering a temple, from an overhead yantra there could be released on his head a piece of masonry or a stone to kill him instantly.