Vasudevahindi (cultural history)
by A. P. Jamkhedkar | 1965 | 134,331 words
This essay is an English study of the Vasudevahindi reflecting cultural history and traditions of the life of people in ancient and medieval India during the 6th century. The Vasudevahindi is a romantic and religious tale divided into two parts. The first part is attributed to Sanghadasa (6th century A.D.) and explores the wanderings of Dhammilla a...
31. The Weapons (in ancient India)
While explaining the nature of the love of weapons (auhavijia) to some questioners in the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, Vasudeva states that he is trained in the three types of weapons, viz. attha, avattha and viyattha. According to him, of these, attha type of weapons were to be used by infantrymen (payaviyarino) and elephant-riders (gaya-gaya) ; of avattha (apastra) type by cavalrymen (asagaya); khagga, kanakatomara bhindimala, sula, cakka, etc. which were of viyattha (vyastra) 1. Vaisaha posture while shooting neraca from a bow, Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa,II.221b. 2. alidha posture while striking a demon with his fist on his head; Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, Il.79b. Both these are explained in the books on archery as follows; in the alicha posture the legs are put two hastes apart and the left is kept forward with the right knee a little bent. In the vaisakha posture the archer places the legs unbent on the ground keeping a distance of one hasta, between them. See Kulkarni, E.D., "Dhanurveda and its Contribution to Lexicography", BDCHI, Vol. XIV, no.3, pp. 208-220.
133 type1 were used probably by charioteers. Warriors fighting from chariots driven by charioteers used bow and arrows2, and might have also used other weapons as the chariots have been described to be equipped with all weapons. The charioteer-warrior is bow referred to have used and arrows while fighting with a n horse-rider who also used the same weapons3. Dhammilla, a while fighting on the ground, attacks his enemies with a Satti and protects himself with a phalaya (phalaka), i.e. shield 4. Reference is made to the defesive armour worn by soldiers (gudiya) 5. The descriptions in the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa show that soldiers were different types of defesive armours, which included protective jacket (kavaya) and a helmet (sisakka) 6. h If the guard is taken to represent a normal soldier, he is described to possess a bow, a quiver full of naraca arrows and a sword tied to the waist (kadillayakhagga)? Vasudeva, while moving on the battlefield on foot had sword 1. Vasudevahindi(F), 201. 3. Ibid., 45. 5. Ibid., 210. 2. Ibid., 119, 207, 365. 4. Ibid.; 65. 6. Sannaddha-baccha-kavaca, Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, I].143a, 242; 7. Madni-guda-kavaya-vamma- jaliyaurabha naka(?) -Sisakkah-pavara-sannahiyam, Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II. 145a. Ibid., II.216a.
134 (khagga) and shield (khedaya) in his hands. Though all the types of weapons were de osited in the vehicles, e.g. used3. 2 raha, only mukta types of weapons were used Apart from the usual weapons such as the bow and the sword, some mechanical devices, probably foreign in orgin, were also employed 4. One such machine was assembled by carpenter Kokkasa in the shape of a wheel (jamt cakka). It was big enough to allow some persons to stand on it. It worked in such a manner that when it was hit on a peg in the middle of it, it shooted spears (sula) piercing the body of the persons standing 5 over the wheel. The Vasudevahindi(F) refers to the classification of 6 weapons as attha and sattha or attha avattha and viyattha 7 as indicated earlier. As, however, a classification of the weapons referred to in the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, cannot be devised on the above basis because of the ambiguity of these terms, it would be better to study these on the basis of the classification 1. Ibid., II 2ab. 2. Ibid., II.1. 3. Vasudeva while fighting from an elephant flings a tomara at the prince Foda, his enemy, who also was riding an elephant; Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II. 35-36. 4. Kokkasa who manufactured such a machine was trained in the Javana country. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 63-64. 6. Ibid.; 45. 5. Ibid. 7. Ibid.; 201.
as laid down in the Dhanurvedal. 135 'Mukta' Heatons: bow and arrows: Two hastes or eight talas as The bow has been referved to a ayubajunta", dhanu3 and cava 4. In the Vasudevahindi(F) along with the bow, several types of 5 6 arrows have also been referred to. Buna, sara and 7 sayara are the words used to denote an arrow. m Crescentshaped (addhacamda), awl-pointed (ara, aruntuha), sickled 1. While classifying the weapons referred to in the Vasudevahindi, the classification as given by G. Oppert has been adopted. Oppert, On the Weapons, Army Organisation and Political Maxims of the Ancient Hindus, pp. 11-23. The measurements of weapons in talas are given from Bharata's Natyasastra (chap. XXI,166-71) to enable one to visualise the probable size of weapons in proportion to the height of the person who bears these. 2. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 45. 3. Ibid., 168. 4. Ibid., 362. Megasthenes informs that Indians used bows of the height of a man; see Majumdar, Classical Accounts of India, p. 230. 5. Vasudevahindi(F), 45. 7. Ibid., 4/4. 6. Ibid., 45, 96.
136 shaped (khurappa), having a point of iron (ayasa-khila) and naraca are the varieties referred to1. Khurappa and addhacamda were used to intercept the hurled weapons Addhacumda is described to have been employed to cut the 2 hood of a serpent3, and aramuha to pierce the heart 4. Kamda was used by a fowler to kill an elephant 5. The five arrows used by Agadadatta to drive away a tiger were shot together and were Kanavirasatthasaphala(?) 7 , 8 6 9 The Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa uses cava chanu and kodamda to denote a bow. Arrows (Sara) of naracall, khurappa 10 12 and kamda 13 types are also referred to in the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa The bows and arrows as weapons were so common that their use was prevalent both among the urban and the tribal fighters, (e.g., Pulimcas) 14 . 1. naraca,Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 271; ayasakhila, Vasudevahindi(T), 138. 2. Ibid.; 96. 4. Ibid.; 46. 3. Ibid.; 45. 5. Ibid., 168. 6. Ibid., 45. 7. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.144a, 222b; made of rittha (-maya), Vasudevahindi(n), 1.12. 8. Ibid.; II.158a. 10. Ibid.; II.144a. 9. Ibid.; 74a, 221a. 11. Ibid., II. 216; made of iron according to mara (II.8-89). 12. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa II. 221a. 13. Ibid.; II. 74a. 14. Ibid., II. 276a; also kiratas, Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.74a.
137 Satti : spear, eight talas. It was a spear described to have been wielded by the Bhutas1, used by dwellers of hell 2 and by thieves along with a shield (phalaya)3. In the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa it is described to have been displayed on the gopura of the city of Savatthi Tomara : a Tomahawk 5, eight talas. It was categorised among the Viyattha type of weapons, and is described as one wielded by the Bhutas?. A tomara was hurled by Vasudeva at prince Poda3, according to the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa 1. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 336. 3. Ibid., 55-56. 2. Ibid., 271. 4. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.158b; also Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.132. 5. Tomara has been translated by Hopkins as 'an iron dart'; see "Position of the Ruling Caste in Ancient India" JAOS, Vol. 13 (1889), p. 290. 6. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 201. 7. Ibid., 336. 8. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.35-36; also in Vasudeva-Pulimda fight, Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.221b.
138 Bhimdivala (-mala): a crooked club1, height twelve talas. In the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa it has been classified as 2 a Viyattha weapon 2, and described as one used by demonic beings (naraya) to attack each other 3. It formed a part of the defence equipment put on the gopura of the city of Savatthi 4. Cakka: a discus, diameter twelve amgulas. In the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa it has been grouped with the Viyattha weapons 5. In the Jaina mythology, cakka is associated with the universal-king (Cakkavatti) and the Vasudevas. An excellent discus (Cakkarayana) presided by Jakkha deities (jakkha-sahassa-pariggahiya) manifested itself in the armoury of the would-be universal king. The king marching after that discus conquered the whole vijaya At the time of war, the discus associated with Jakkha deity 6 1. Hopkins translates it as 'a sling or a tube-blown projectile'; op. cit., p.290. 2. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 201. 4. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.158b. 3. Ibid., 336. 5. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 201. 6. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 330; also Vasudevahindi(F), 340-41, 345, 347.
manifested itself to help the Vasudevas1. Such a cakka wielded by Kanha Vasudeva never hurt his own relatives but used to turn back after killing an enemy 2. It was used in battles3. Laguda: Generally translated as a staff, but could be a club. It is one of the weapons used in the fight of hell-dwellers 4. In the story of Soyasa in the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, he is described to have hurled it at Vasudeva 5, who skillfully avoided it. Amukta Weapons: Vajja : Ehunderbolt: four talas. It was a weapon of the lord of gods (Suresarauha) 6. Reference to 1. Ibid., 245; also Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 96. 2. Ibid. In this connection it should be noted that sometimes the weapons of the Hindu gods H e.g. Visnu are depicted in human forms in the sculptures; cf. Anantasayana panel; see, Gupta Temple at Deogarh, pl. X, 6. 3. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.132a, 1442. 5. Ibid., 196. 4. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 271. 6. Vasudevahindi(F), 77. 139
140 this weapon is made in similes which suggest that the middle portion of this weapon was thin1. In the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, it is referred to as kulisa and as a weapon used in battle 2. Parasu : an axe. . The axe of Rama, son of Jamadaggi, was favoured by a ferocious goddess because of which he could defeat the Khattiyas3. by fowlers to cut the tusks of elephants+. An axe was used According to the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa it was a war weapon 5 and was also used to behead the criminals 6. Komta : a lance - ten talas in height. Bhutas in their dance are described to have wielded it 7. 8 It was a war-weapon and amongst one of the weapons deposited on the gopura D in case there was an attack. 1. Ibid., 79, 162. 2. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.144a. 3. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 238; borne by Bhutas; Vasudevahindi(F), 336. 4. Ibid., 168. 6. Ibid., II.12a. 8. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.132a, 144a. 5. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.158b. 7. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 336. 9. Ibid., II.158b; Hopkins (op. cit., p.289) translates Kunta as a six-sided lance.
141 Moggara : a hammer or mallet. Bhutas are described to have wielded it1. In the Vn(F), In the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, moggra is said to have been deposited on a gopura arriors 4. and warriors" Satagghi: 2 It was held in hand by guards 3 'a hundred-killer' 'a hundred-killer' ; height eight talas. It was suspended on one of the gates of Rayagiha for harassing the adversaries 5. Its probable shape is not known. in height. other 6 Sula : a trident or a pike ; eight talas Used by hell-dwellers to fight with each A sula was used to kill a criminal 7. 9 Sula 8 and Tisula2 both were used in war according to the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa 1. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 336. 3. Moggarapani, Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.217b. 4. Ibid., II.132a, 144a. 6. Ibid., 271. 8. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.132a, 1442. 9. Ibid., II.132a. 2. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.158b. 5. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 3. 7. Ibid., 295.
142 Musala: a pestle. One of the weapons of the hell-dwellers1. Phalaha (or -liha) : a battering-ram or a bludgeon. While attacking prince Subhoma, brahmins used it along with pidhas and stones2. Kamsa, who was driving the chariot of Vasudeva, broke the yoke of Siharaha's chariot with a phaliha3. battle". It is included in one of the weapons used for Savvala: was probably the same as lance or kumta. This has been referred to in the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, as one of the weapons deposited on a gopura 5. Weapons Other than the mukta and Amukta Types: Weapons like swords, and knives have been included in this group. Khagra : a sword. It was provided with a sheath sometimes of tiger's skin (divicammakosa)? and was shining reflected in its. enough to enable one to see one's face referred on it 6 1. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 271. - 3. Ibid., 119. 5. Ibid.; II.158b. 7. Ibid.; 137. 2. Ibid., 239. 4. Varaphaliha, Vasudevahindi(), II.132a. 6. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 261. 8. Ibid.; 60.
143 Jinadasa, while riding through the Vindhya forest encountered single-handed the robbers. He could defeat them with only one khaggal. The Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa refers to its being tied at the waist (kadillaya-khagga) and used along with the shield (khedaya) 2. Asi: a duggar ; forty four amgulas in length. In the Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa a parivvayaga is described to have concealed a dagger (asi) in his staff3. Asi latthi or -jatthi is referred to also as usijamta 4. A dagger is described as having its hilt decorated with jewels (subuddha-mani vicitta-lattha-mutthi)". A fight between two persons 6 holding asi and khagga and its use along with a shield (khedaya) 7 has been referred to. It was also associated with the Bhutas 8. Its use in war has been referred to in the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa9. The other weapons referred to in the Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa are a knife (churiya) 10 and a sword with rounded end (mamdalagga) 1. Ibid., 285. 3. Vasudevahindi(F), 44. 5. Vasudevahindi by Sanghadasa, 67. 7. Ibid.; 330. 2. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa,II.233a; II. 43ab, 144a, 206b. 4. Ibid., 67. 6. Ibid.; 125-26. 8. Ibid., 271. 10. Ibid.; II. 44b. 9. Vasudevahindi by Dharmadasa, II.132, 158b.
144 The latter was used to behead a victim (bali) for the gods1.