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Line 179: + + + + + + + + − + + + + + + + + + + − We may begin'with Somadeva Suri, an encyclopaedic Jain writer," and.Tiis long.religious poem, the ''Yaiastilaka Campu,23'' written in South India in 949 A.D. In the first part of thework, Somadeva describes the hero resorting to the cool ''yantra-dhdrd-griha'' to spend the hot hours of the summer days. This park, fitted with mechanical" fountains, is appropriately called by the commentator ''Krilrima-megha-mandira,'' the artificial cloud-pavilion. It is erected in the dense garden in an area provided with many canals. There is the stream for watef sports in the midst of which" is a sandbank raised like a pavilion, provided with a water-bed, ''Sdtila'-tulika;'' nearby'are numerous vessels containing-fragrant water jtat'one end'here is an ''yantra-jala-dhdrd,'' a contrivance' p'roducingVari'arlf-s ficial-waterfall; the water is taken through" and thrown out'of the "mouth's of! figures of elephants, tigers, lions,'snakes,'etc: ' ' " > ''~"'1''+
Yantra Shastra (यन्त्रशास्त्रम्) (view source)
Revision as of 23:51, 16 December 2024
, 23:51, 16 December 2024added content
The Kashyapiya-krshi-sukta (verses 167-69) gives an account of the devices for lifting water from a well and for using it for irrigating the fields. For raising water a place for fixing the machine is to be made on stone-slabs on the brink of the well, and for the outflow of water a small conduit is to be made on a hard surface near the edge of the well. Of the different kinds of machines for raising water the one drawn by bullocks yoked with strong chains is the best, that by the elephant with its trunk is the mediocre, and the one by human labour is the inferior-most. Water on lower levels in steadily raised to the surface of the wells etc. by the revolution of the water-raising machine. Water is then carried to the fields by means of small channels.<ref name=":12">Bag, A. K. (1997) ''History of Technology in India, Vol. 1, From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D.'' New Delhi: Indian National Science Academy. (Pages 417 - 430)</ref>
The Kashyapiya-krshi-sukta (verses 167-69) gives an account of the devices for lifting water from a well and for using it for irrigating the fields. For raising water a place for fixing the machine is to be made on stone-slabs on the brink of the well, and for the outflow of water a small conduit is to be made on a hard surface near the edge of the well. Of the different kinds of machines for raising water the one drawn by bullocks yoked with strong chains is the best, that by the elephant with its trunk is the mediocre, and the one by human labour is the inferior-most. Water on lower levels in steadily raised to the surface of the wells etc. by the revolution of the water-raising machine. Water is then carried to the fields by means of small channels.<ref name=":12">Bag, A. K. (1997) ''History of Technology in India, Vol. 1, From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D.'' New Delhi: Indian National Science Academy. (Pages 417 - 430)</ref>
In Sanskrit the word Araghatta has been used in the ancient texts to describe the Persian Wheel. The ‘ara-ghatta’ comes from the combination of the words ‘ara’ meaning spoke and ‘ghatta’ meaning pot. There is evidence to argue that this system of lifting water from open wells was probably invented in India of the past. It finds mention in the Panchatantra (3rd Century BCE) and the Rajatarangini (12th century CE) as the ‘cakka-vattakka’ or the ‘ghati yantra’.<ref>[https://journalsofindia.com/irrigation-techniques-of-ancient-and-medieval-india/#:~:text=Content,-Irrigation%20systems%20of&text=The%20Harappan%20irrigation%20system%20was,bring%20running%20water%20into%20homes. Irrigation techniques of Ancient and Medieval India] </ref>
=== Yantras for Warfare ===
=== Yantras for Warfare ===
And before the '''Trisula and Cakra''', which are well-known, there occurs the '''Sataghni''', the centicide, which is mentioned in all descriptions of warfare in old literature, but as to, the exact nature of which there is difference of opinion. Bhattasvamin takes it as a huge, cannon-like, cylindrical thing with wheels, placed on the parapet.
And before the '''Trisula and Cakra''', which are well-known, there occurs the '''Sataghni''', the centicide, which is mentioned in all descriptions of warfare in old literature, but as to, the exact nature of which there is difference of opinion. Bhattasvamin takes it as a huge, cannon-like, cylindrical thing with wheels, placed on the parapet.
== Yantras in Engineering ==
Ancient Indians were incredibly skilled in civil engineering, showcasing their prowess through remarkable feats of architecture and urban planning.
# City planning - As seen from Mohenjodaro and Harappan excavations, there were advanced extensive water drainage systems, well laid out planned streets, and urban facilities. They were regarded as the world's pioneers in city construction.
# Water systems - Advanced water supply and drainage system was the hallmark of the Harappan civilization's Great Bath. Use of vertical and underground sewer pipes, pulley wheels for drawing water from the wells, swimming pools, and use of paved baths and public drainage system is well evidenced in Harappan city. The step tanks in various cities of India such as Hampi in Karnataka, Gujarat and Rajasthan served as vital water sources and communal gathering spaces, harnessing the groundwater resources. The advanced knowledge of hydraulic engineering enabled them to harness the power of water for agricultural and domestic purposes.
# Road network - The construction of extensive road networks facilitated trade and communication across ancient India. Notable examples include the Grand Trunk Road, commissioned during the Mauryan Empire, which connected major cities and regions, promoting economic prosperity and cultural exchange.
# Architectural Innovations such as the rock-cut cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora, the towering temples of Khajuraho and Hampi, and the intricately carved stupas of Sanchi, are a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship and knowledge of the ancient artisans.
== Yantras in Pleasure and Entertainment ==
== Yantras in Pleasure and Entertainment ==
The yantras we shall now deal with are accessories of pleasure and entertainment, and more properly come under household fittings and' architectural engineering. Some of them=are for the reduction of human labour, some for sport and merriment,—toys and gadgets of-miscellaneous kinds for entertainment. "
The yantras under this heading include accessories of pleasure and entertainment, and more properly under household fittings and architectural engineering. They include
* those yantras for reduction of human labour (fans, water showers, cool water sprays etc)
* parks, tree and fountains
* for sport and merriment
* toys and gadgets of miscellaneous kinds for entertainment
In Somadeva Suri's, ''Yashastilaka Campu,'' written in South India in 949 A.D., the first part of the work, describes the hero resorting to the cool ''yantra-dhara-griha'' to spend the hot hours of the summer days. This park, fitted with mechanical fountains, is appropriately called by the commentator ''Kritrima-megha-mandira,'' the artificial cloud-pavilion. It is erected in the dense garden in an area provided with many canals. There is the stream for water sports in the midst of which is a sandbank raised like a pavilion, provided with a water-bed, ''Salilaika tulika;'' nearby are numerous vessels containing fragrant water, at one end there is an ''yantra-jala-dhara,'' a contrivance producing artificial waterfall; the water is taken through and thrown out of the mouth's of figures of elephants, tigers, lions, snakes etc. Many artificial works adorned the palaces of kings, such as celestial damsels giving shower-baths, figures of monkeys spouting water, statuettes of water- damsels, (jaladevatas); there are wind-damsels (pavana-Kanyakas), wafting breezes with fly-whisks; and figures of ladies, scattering cool sandal-water all around. Somadeva Suri says of such a figure that if her hands were touched, she would emit sprays through her nails; if her face, through the eyes and so on. Somadeva describes how near the bed was a yantra-putrika, a mechanical breeze-lady was plying a fan for the King’s relief.<ref name=":1" />
There is a corroborative evidence of such works from Bhojadeva's treatise and was not merely imaginative fictions. Mechanical fountains were constructed as necessary adjuncts to all palaces is seen in casual descriptions of many dramas. In Kalidasa's Malavikagnimitra drama, fountains or jala-yantras are mentioned.
बिन्दूत्क्षेपात्पिपासुः परिपतति शिखी भ्रान्तिमद्वारियन्त्रं (Malavikagnimitram. 2.12)<ref>Malavikagnimitra by Kalidasa ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%99%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%83 Dvitiyanka])</ref>
== References ==
== References ==
[[Category:Shastras]]
[[Category:Shastras]]
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