Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)
by S. Anusha | 2016 | 34,012 words
This page relates ‘Parashu (Axe)’ of the study on the Nitiprakasika by Vaisampayana which deals primarily with with Dhanurveda, i.e., the science of war, weapons and military strategies of ancient Indian society. It further contains details on Niti-shastra, i.e., the science of politics and state administration but most verses of the Nitiprakashika deal with the classification and description of different varieties of weapons, based on the four groups of Mukta, Amukta, Muktamukta and Mantramukta.
Paraśu (Axe)
[Full title: War weapons > Śāstras > Amuktāyudhas > Paraśu (Axe)]
It is a special type of weapon made of steel that has to be handled with both the hands says Tattvavivṛti–
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It is a type of battle-axe which, is categorized under the razor-type weapons in Arthaśāstra.[1]
There are only two actions possible using this, namely (V. 10cd):
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(a) Pātana–felling
(b) Chedana–splitting into two pieces
Atharvaveda (III. 19. 4)[2] speaks on the tīkṣṇatva of the weapon by comparing it with agni and vajra in describing the valour of the warriors. Auśanasa dhanurveda[3] describes Paraśu as sapāṇi and pāṇimukta. The sapāṇi type of Paraśu is used according to one’s wish.
Aparājitapṛcchā[4] compares the form of the weapon to that of ardhacandra and its daṇḍa is said to be half the measure of a Khaḍga.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
II. 18. 14:[...]
[2]:
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[3]:
Cited by Vīramitrodaya (p.312); Auśanasa Dhanurveda also gives details about the various grades of the weapon, the various measure of the paraśumūla and the woods that are to be used in making the daṇḍa.
[4]:
p. 599:[...]