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Dhanurveda is a sub-veda of Yajurveda. This includes subjects related to archery, military science or war art. In ancient times, this traditional knowledge was propagated & spread with great respect throughout India. Many texts on Dhanurveda were available in ancient India, but with time, almost all the scriptures on Dhanurveda are becoming obsolete now. The description of texts of Dhanurveda is available in some scriptures. In Agnipuran, it has been described as one of the 18 branches of knowledge. It also finds a mention in Mahabharata and a scripture called Dhanurveda Samhita is also available. But in most of the other scriptures, one can find some essence of this particular scripture. {{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biX0GdULcbQ&feature=youtu.be

Dhanurveda is a sub-veda of Yajurveda. This includes subjects related to archery, military science or war art. In ancient times, this traditional knowledge was propagated & spread with great respect throughout India. Many texts on Dhanurveda were available in ancient India, but with time, almost all the scriptures on Dhanurveda are becoming obsolete now. The description of texts of Dhanurveda is available in some scriptures. In Agnipurana, it has been described as one of the 18 branches of knowledge. It also finds a mention in Mahabharata and a scripture called Dhanurveda Samhita is also available. But in most of the other scriptures, one can find some essence of this particular scripture. {{#evu:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biX0GdULcbQ&feature=youtu.be

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|description=Talk on धनुर्वेदः प्रााचीनभारतीययुद्धतन्त्रम् in Sanskrit

|description=Talk on धनुर्वेदः प्रााचीनभारतीययुद्धतन्त्रम् in Sanskrit

}}To read the article in Hindi   

}}To read the article in Hindi, click [[Dhanurveda (धनुर्वेद)]]  

== Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

In Sanskrit literature, along with high level spiritual knowledge, the highest degree of scientific knowledge is also prevalent. From very ancient times, the pinnacle of physical education is inherent in the science of archery and here it means experimental or special science. Ancient Indian men were adept in the skills of weaponry. Along with their deep spiritual knowledge, they also invented various weapons to suppress terrorists and evildoers. The power of Indians was utilized in establishing religion and not for unleashing terror. The history of archery is as ancient as the antiquity of the Vedas. Fourteen types of knowledge and sixty-four art-forms have been described many times in ancient Indian scriptures like Ramayana, Mahabharata Purana etc. The fourteen types of knowledge and sixty-four art-forms which are described in ancient times are as follows-

In Sanskrit literature, along with high level spiritual knowledge, the highest degree of scientific knowledge is also prevalent. From very ancient times, the pinnacle of physical education is inherent in the science of archery and here it means experimental or special science. Ancient Indian men were adept in the skills of weaponry. Along with their deep spiritual knowledge, they also invented various weapons to suppress terrorists and evildoers. The power of Indians was utilized in establishing religion and not for unleashing terror. The history of archery is as ancient as the antiquity of the Vedas. Fourteen types of knowledge and sixty-four art-forms have been described many times in ancient Indian scriptures like Ramayana, Mahabharata Purana etc. The fourteen types of knowledge and sixty-four art-forms which are described in ancient times are as follows-<blockquote>अंगानि चतुरो वेदा मीमांसा न्यायविस्तर:। पुराणं धर्मशास्त्रं च विद्या ह्येताश्चतुर्दश॥ आयुर्वेदो धनुर्वेदो गांधर्वश्चैव ते त्रयः । अर्थशास्त्रं चतुर्थन्तु विद्या ह्यष्टादशैव ताः॥ (Vish. Pura. 3.6.27-28 )<ref>Vishnu Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AC Ansh 3, Adhyaya 6])</ref></blockquote>Madhusudan Saraswati ji considers Dhanurveda as Upaveda (Branch) of Yajurveda. In Agnipurana, Brahma and Maheshwar have been proclaimed to be the founders of this Veda. Many types of archery are being mentioned in Ramayana and Mahabharata. Dronacharyaji had mentored the Pandavas in the knowledge of Dhanurveda.<ref>Sharma, Ranaprasad (2013) ''Pauranik Kosh''. Varanasi: Jnana Mandala Ltd.</ref> Archery or military science is an integral part of Dhanurveda. In other words, Dhanurveda can be considered as a synonym for Indian military science.

अंगानि चतुरो वेदा मीमांसा न्यायविस्तर:। पुराणं धर्मशास्त्रं च विद्या ह्येताश्चतुर्दश॥ आयुर्वेदो धनुर्वेदो गांधर्वश्चैव ते त्रयः । अर्थशास्त्रं चतुर्थन्तु विद्या ह्यष्टादशैव ताः॥ (Vish. Pura. 3.6.27-28 ) [1]

There is information about Dhanurveda in the scripture termed as Nitiprakash or Neetiprakashika composed by Vaishampaayana Rishi. There is no definitive awareness about the origin and place of origin of Dhanurvidya, but according to historical sources, this knowledge probably travelled from India to Greece and Arab countries. The nuances of this knowledge have been described in detail in Agni Purana.

== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Definition ==

 

 

== Definition ==

Dhanurveda not only denotes the term archery but by implication, all types of weapons come under its umbrella. The specific Veda which describes the art of using the bow and arrow is known as Dhanurveda as per the definition –

Dhanurveda not only denotes the term archery but by implication, all types of weapons come under its umbrella. The specific Veda which describes the art of using the bow and arrow is known as Dhanurveda as per the definition –

        धनूंषि तदादीन्यस्त्राणि विद्यन्ते ज्ञायन्तेऽनेन इति धनुर्वेदः । [3]

        धनूंषि तदादीन्यस्त्राणि विद्यन्ते ज्ञायन्तेऽनेन इति धनुर्वेदः ।<ref>Vachaspatya (Page 3841)</ref>

The scripture that describes the knowledge and science related to weapons and war has been termed as Dhanurveda. For Dhanurveda, synonyms like Astraveda, Kshatraveda, Shastra Vidya etc. are used. [4]

The scripture that describes the knowledge and science related to weapons and war has been termed as Dhanurveda. For Dhanurveda, synonyms like Astraveda, Kshatraveda, Shastra Vidya etc. are used.<ref>Sharma, Chaturvedi Dwaraka Prasad. (1917) Chaturvedi Sanskrit Hindi Kosh. Lucknow: Nawal Kishore Press. P.203</ref>

== Dhanurveda as Upaveda ==

== Dhanurveda as Upaveda ==

In the beginning of creation, the sages determined the names of material things for transactional purposes and the prescribed duties for humans (Kartavya Karma) by referring to the Vedas. There are four types of Vedas and each of the four Vedas have four Upavedas. Among the four upavedas, which one Dhanurveda is a sub-branch of, has been pondered upon by scholars in the subject. [5] According to Shri Shaunak ji, the Upaveda of Yajurveda is considered to be Dhanurveda as it is said in Charanvyuha -  

In the beginning of creation, the sages determined the names of material things for transactional purposes and the prescribed duties for humans (Kartavya Karma) by referring to the Vedas. There are four types of Vedas and each of the four Vedas have four Upavedas. Among the four upavedas, which one Dhanurveda is a sub-branch of, has been pondered upon by scholars in the subject.<ref>Dattayogeshwar Devateerth Maharaj. (2013) ''Vedvangmay Parichay Evam Apaurusheyavaad'' in Kalyan Series - Vedkatha Ank. Gorakhpur: Gita Press (p 146)</ref> According to Shri Shaunak ji, the Upaveda of Yajurveda is considered to be Dhanurveda as it is said in Charanvyuha - <blockquote>यजुर्वेदस्य धनुर्वेद उपवेदः । (Charana Vyuha)<ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B9 Charanavyuh Sutram] by Maharshi Shaunak (1938) </ref></blockquote>Bhagavata Purana refers to Upavedas as follows <blockquote>आयुर्वेदं धनुर्वेदं गांधर्वं वेदमात्मनः । स्थापत्यं चासृजद् वेदं क्रमात् पूर्वादिभिर्मुखैः ॥ (Bhag. Pura. 3.12.38)<ref>Bhagavata Mahapuran ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8 Skand 3, Adhyaya 12])</ref></blockquote>Upaveda of Rigveda-Ayurveda-Dhanvantari

 

यजुर्वेदस्य धनुर्वेद उपवेदः । (Charana Vyuha) [6]

 

Bhagavata Purana refers to Upavedas as follows  

 

आयुर्वेदं धनुर्वेदं गांधर्वं वेदमात्मनः । स्थापत्यं चासृजद् वेदं क्रमात् पूर्वादिभिर्मुखैः ॥ (Bhag. Pura. 3.12.38)[7]

 

Upaveda of Rigveda-Ayurveda-Dhanvantari

Upaveda of Yajurveda-Dhanurveda-Vishwamitra

Upaveda of Yajurveda-Dhanurveda-Vishwamitra

Bhardwaja rishi composed a text with seven hundred chapters, Gaurashira composed five hundred, Maharishi Veda Vyas condensed them and created a Niti Shastra consisting of three hundred chapters. Maharishi Vaishampayan summarized it further consisting of eight chapters.  

Bhardwaja rishi composed a text with seven hundred chapters, Gaurashira composed five hundred, Maharishi Veda Vyas condensed them and created a Niti Shastra consisting of three hundred chapters. Maharishi Vaishampayan summarized it further consisting of eight chapters.  

== Military Studies and Archery ==

== धनुर्विद्या॥ Military Studies and Archery ==

Military studies is also known by many other names such as Defense and Strategic Education, Military Science, War and National Security Studies, and War and Strategy Studies. In ancient times, weapons like bow and arrow were used as instruments of war. But in the present times, the requirements of war have changed and the methods of war have also changed. In ancient times, knowledge of archery etc. provided significant benefits in the following areas  

Military studies is also known by many other names such as Defense and Strategic Education, Military Science, War and National Security Studies, and War and Strategy Studies. In ancient times, weapons like bow and arrow were used as instruments of war. But in the present times, the requirements of war have changed and the methods of war have also changed. In ancient times, knowledge of archery etc. provided significant benefits in the following areas  

== Dhanurveda and Martial arts ==

== Dhanurveda and Martial arts ==

The trend of classification of art forms is modern. In Sanskrit literature, arts have been enumerated and not classified. The term "fine arts" has been used for the first time in Kalidasa’s literature. But classification of arts was not Kalidasa’s intent. The attempt to classify arts is also reflected to some extent in Shukraneeti.

 

The trend of classification of art forms is modern. In Sanskrit literature, arts have been enumerated and not classified. The term "fine arts" has been used for the first time in Kalidasa’s literature. But classification of arts was not Kalidasa’s intent. The attempt to classify arts is also reflected to some extent in Shukraneeti.  

=== Classification of Dhanurvedic Arts ===

=== Classification of Dhanurvedic Arts ===

# Array formation strategy etc.

# Array formation strategy etc.

There is no end to knowledge and arts, that is, it is infinite and no one can quantify them. Shukracharya has considered the sciences to be thirty-two in number and the arts to be sixty-four. While characterizing them it has been said that -<blockquote>यत् यत् स्याद् वाचिकं सम्यक् कर्म विद्याभिसाकम्। शक्तो मूकोऽपि यत् कर्त्तु कलासंज्ञन्तु तत् स्मृतम्॥ [8] </blockquote>Which means that the work which can be completed properly by using speech is called ‘Vidya’ or knowledge and the work which even a dumb person can do, using his hands and legs is called art.

There is no end to knowledge and arts, that is, it is infinite and no one can quantify them. Shukracharya has considered the sciences to be thirty-two in number and the arts to be sixty-four. While characterizing them it has been said that -<blockquote>यत् यत् स्याद् वाचिकं सम्यक् कर्म विद्याभिसाकम्। शक्तो मूकोऽपि यत् कर्त्तु कलासंज्ञन्तु तत् स्मृतम्॥ <ref>Bharadvaja, Anuradha. (2012) ''[http://hdl.handle.net/10603/21647 Shukraneeti ka Anusheelan.]'' Kumaon Vishvavidyalaya</ref> </blockquote>Which means that the work which can be completed properly by using speech is called ‘Vidya’ or knowledge and the work which even a dumb person can do, using his hands and legs is called art.

=== Archery ===

=== Archery ===

Apart from being a useful art, archery was also a major source of entertainment. Associations or festivals used to be organized for people with proficiency in this knowledge to demonstrate their skills. A similar scene is displayed in the story of 'Asadis Jatak' in the artefacts of Bharhut. An archer is standing under a mango tree and a spectator is also shown in the above scene to watch his feat. [9]

Apart from being a useful art, archery was also a major source of entertainment. Associations or festivals used to be organized for people with proficiency in this knowledge to demonstrate their skills. A similar scene is displayed in the story of 'Asadis Jatak' in the artefacts of Bharhut. An archer is standing under a mango tree and a spectator is also shown in the above scene to watch his feat.<ref>Bharahut, Akruti 100, Jatak No. 181</ref>

* Shri Ram's ancestor Sagara Chakravarty became the emperor of Ayodhya after receiving the teachings of Agnibaan (Fire emitting arrow) and Dhanurveda from Maharishi Aurva.

* Shri Ram's ancestor Sagara Chakravarty became the emperor of Ayodhya after receiving the teachings of Agnibaan (Fire emitting arrow) and Dhanurveda from Maharishi Aurva.

* Parshurama mentored Drona and Bhishma in the complete skill and knowledge of Dhanurveda.

* Parshurama mentored Drona and Bhishma in the complete skill and knowledge of Dhanurveda.

In the Mahabharata, there is a detailed description of one such association formed by Acharya Drona in which archery competitions were also held and Arjuna was proclaimed as the best archer. [10] Kshatriya women also received education in Dhanurveda and participated in wars. According to Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, Shri Krishna and Balram were taught the secrets of mysterious Dhanurveda along with the four Vedas and its six limbs, in the Ashram of Maharishi Sandipani -<blockquote>सरहस्यं धनुर्वेदं धर्मान् न्यायपथांस्तथा। तथा चान्वीक्षिकीं विद्यां राजनीतिं च षड्‍‍विधाम् ॥(Bhag. Pura. 10.15.34) [11] </blockquote>He tutored both of them in Dhanurveda along with its secrets, along with standard legal texts, methods of debate related to logic and philosophy and also taught them the six divisions of political science. Thus, while studying in the Gurukul itself, Shri Krishna and Balram soon became experts in archery and weaponry. In the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, there is a description of Indians being proficient in archery and weaponry. While in the Raghuvansham of Kalidasa an epic composition, there is a description of the sounds emanating by the pulled strings of the great bows of Shri Ram and Shri Lakshman, similarly in Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Dushyant has been described as adept in archery and weaponry.

In the Mahabharata, there is a detailed description of one such association formed by Acharya Drona in which archery competitions were also held and Arjuna was proclaimed as the best archer.<ref>Mahabharat. Adi Parva. Adhyaya 132-133</ref> Kshatriya women also received education in Dhanurveda and participated in wars. According to Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, Shri Krishna and Balram were taught the secrets of mysterious Dhanurveda along with the four Vedas and its six limbs, in the Ashram of Maharishi Sandipani -<blockquote>सरहस्यं धनुर्वेदं धर्मान् न्यायपथांस्तथा। तथा चान्वीक्षिकीं विद्यां राजनीतिं च षड्‍‍विधाम् ॥(Bhag. Pura. 10.15.34)<ref>Shrimad Bhagavata Purana (Skanda 10, Adhyaya 45)</ref> </blockquote>He tutored both of them in Dhanurveda along with its secrets, along with standard legal texts, methods of debate related to logic and philosophy and also taught them the six divisions of political science. Thus, while studying in the Gurukul itself, Shri Krishna and Balram soon became experts in archery and weaponry. In the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, there is a description of Indians being proficient in archery and weaponry. While in the Raghuvansham of Kalidasa an epic composition, there is a description of the sounds emanating by the pulled strings of the great bows of Shri Ram and Shri Lakshman, similarly in Abhijnana Shakuntalam, Dushyant has been described as adept in archery and weaponry.

=== Purpose of Archery ===

=== Purpose of Archery ===

The main purpose of archery was self-protection and safeguarding the nation. The justification for the study of archery and weaponry was to use it to establish dharma and not for the purpose of terrorizing people. In ancient times, the responsibility of protecting the society was specifically assigned to the Kshatriyas. The etymological meaning of the word Kshatra is to destroy. The great poet Kalidasa described the Kshatriyas as protectors of the self and others in his composition Raghuvansha epic, hence it was absolutely necessary for the Kshatriyas to carry a bow. Protection from others wasn’t required for a proficient archer. It is quoted in Dhanurveda Samhita written by Maharishi Vasishtha that-

The main purpose of archery was self-protection and safeguarding the nation. The justification for the study of archery and weaponry was to use it to establish dharma and not for the purpose of terrorizing people. In ancient times, the responsibility of protecting the society was specifically assigned to the Kshatriyas. The etymological meaning of the word Kshatra is to destroy. The great poet Kalidasa described the Kshatriyas as protectors of the self and others in his composition Raghuvansha epic, hence it was absolutely necessary for the Kshatriyas to carry a bow. Protection from others wasn’t required for a proficient archer. It is quoted in Dhanurveda Samhita written by Maharishi Vasishtha that-<blockquote>The main purpose of archery is to protect noble people from evil robbers and thieves thus helping in the administration of the nation. If there was even one good archer in a village, he was capable of protecting the entire village. Enemies would run away with the fear of his archery skills. </blockquote>According to Shukra Niti, the science of Dhanurveda imparts not only the skill of operating the bow and arrow, but a the comprehensive knowledge related to the making and operating of all weapons useful in war was taught. Great poet Bhavabhuti depicted the self defensive nature imparted by Dhanurveda in Uttararamcharita.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additionally archery plays a crucial role in the protection of   noble people from evil robbers and thieves thus helping in the administration of the nation. If there was even one good archer in a village, he was capable of protecting the entire village. Enemies would run away with the fear of his archery skills. According to Shukra Niti, the science of Dhanurveda imparts not only the skill of operating the bow and arrow, but a the comprehensive knowledge related to the making and operating of all weapons useful in war was taught. Great poet Bhavabhuti depicted the self defensive nature imparted by Dhanurveda in Uttararamcharita.

In the context of the topic containing description of the duties of a king and its sub-topics, in ‘Agnipurana’, the description of archery is found in the Chapters starting from 249 till 252. In ancient times, many texts on Dhanurveda were available, but with the passage of time, almost all them got lost. Thirteen (13) parts of Dhanurveda have been described – (Niti Prakasika page 9)

The original pravakta for Dhanurveda is Shiva. Parasharam was mentored by Sadashiv himself and so was Maharishi Vashishta. Maharishi Vasishta mentored Vishwamitra in Dhanurveda. In the text called as ‘Prasthaan Bhed’, Vishwamitra is mentioned as the author of ‘Pada Chatushtayatmak Dhanurveda’. In the text by Maharishi Vasishta, significance is given to ‘Tantra Yuddh’ or warfare fought using tantric powers. Vishwamitra amended Dhanurveda and gave it a classical format and thereby assumed the post of Principal (Pradhanacharya). That is the reason why a complete and comprehensive composition of Dhanurveda is not to be found anywhere. However, we find references and description of the knowledge related to these texts in ‘Vasishta Dhanuveda’, ‘Aushanasa Dhanurveda’ and the four chapters namely ‘Maanasollaas’, ‘Yukteekalpataru’, ‘Veeramitroday’ etc. in the ‘Vishnudharmottara Purana’ and in the Agni Puran. [12]

      

[[Category:Upavedas]]

[[Category:Upavedas]]