Nitiprakasika (Critical Analysis)

by S. Anusha | 2016 | 34,012 words

This page relates ‘Pinaka (Trident)’ 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.

Pināka (Trident)

[Full title: War weapons > Śāstras > Amuktāyudhas > Pināka (Trident)]

The three-pronged sharp edged weapon according to Tattvavivṛti is [...] made of kāṃsya for its daṇḍa portion and loha for the head portion (V. 28cd):

[...]

Its movements are:

i. Dhūṇana -shaking

ii. Potana -piercing

Śukranīti (IV. 7. 215) speaks of it as three-headed weapon measuring three hastas.

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: