Transportation Engg in Ancient India

8/2/2019 Transportation Engg in Ancient India

1/21

Edited & Compiled byDr.A.S.Nene


2/21

Introduction

Surface Transport Ratha-shastra

Water Transport

Nauka-shastra

Air-Space transport Agniyan-shastra

Concluding Remarks

References

Contents


3/21

Introduction - Shilpashashtra

Engineering sciences were very advanced in India in

ancient period (as early as 5000 BC).

More than thousand texts (Shilpasamhitas) can be

mentioned on the various engineering sciences

There are references in ancient Indian literature

such as Vedas, Puranas, and Shilpa-Samhitas) etc. Most of the practices mentioned in these references

are scientific and relevant to modern engineering.


4/21

Terms and terminology

Shilpa- The Sanskrit word has a very wide meaning,

other than sculpture or idol.

Shilpaincludes many articles (things), machines,

innovations, metals, and artificial means.

Shilpashashtra- science which deals withcreation of a Shilpais termed as Shilpashashtra.


5/21

Vidya-Vidyameans a particular technique. One must

have both theoretical and practical knowledge of thatsubject. There are 32 Vidyasrelated to Shilpashashtra.

Kala -Kalameans an art which can be acquired bypractice and observation. Even a handicapped personcan be expert In a particular art without anytheoretical knowledge. There are 64 Kalasrelated to

Shilpashashtra.


6/21

Scope and extent of Shilpashashtra

Table 1.1 - Extent ofShilpashashtraShastra Engineering Science

Krishi Biological Sciences

Jala Water Resources

Khani Mining & MetallurgyRatha Surface Transport

Nauka Water Transport

Vyomayan Air or Space Transport

Veshma DwellingsPrakaara Forts

NagarRachana Town planning

Yantra Machines


7/21

Raft making Nadi Vidya

Boat making Nauka Vidya

Bridges Setu Vidya

Ship building Nauka Vidya

Horse riding Ashwa Vidya

Roads Patha Vidya

Hill roads Ghantapath VidyaTraining of Birds Shakunta Vidya

Aeronautics Viman Vidya

Nine Vidya-s related toTransportation Engineering


8/21

Seven Kala(s) -Arts or SkillsBalhadibhirjaldarshan Floats & BuoysSutradirajjukaran Rope preparationPatbandhan Cloth to mastNaukanayan NavigationSamabhumikriya Ground levelingShilarcha Breaking stonesVivarkaran Tunneling


9/21

Reasons for loss of ancient technical literature

Natural - Limited life of the writing materials,

Language Most of the texts are in Sanskrit.Secrecy The knowledge was encryptedForeign aggression

Improper interpretationNeglect by modern engineersReligion misconceptionIrrelevance

Absence of technical data


10/21

A- Surface Transport - Rathashashtra

Clay carts found at Mohenjodaro Excavations


11/21

Vidyas & Kalas under Rathashashtra

Vidyas Kalas

Patha Vidya - Constructionof roads

Samabhumikriya- Levelingof ground

Ghantapath Vidya -Construction of hill roads

Shilarcha - Breaking ofrocks

Ashwa Vidya - Horse riding Vivarkaran - Tunnelconstruction

Setu Vidya- Construction ofbridges

Vrutakhandabandhan -Construction of arches


12/21

History of Surface Transport:

The first land vehicle -Bhumiyan was feet of ahuman

Head transportation The next improvisation was Dolior palanquin Subsequently man stated using animals such as

horse, camel, elephant etc.

Yuktikalpataru gives the description of

method of construction and materials for Doli

Mayamathas a separate chapter on land

vehicles


13/21

Ratha or chariot - One can find description ofRatha in ancient Indian epics Ramayana and

Mahabharata

Manasara ,Bhrugusamhita and KautilyaArthshashtra recommends wood of certaintrees for chariot construction .The tres are;

Khadir,JackfruitBabul

Trees for chariot construction


14/21

Smooth and hard surface Level and straight without bends as far as

possible Width between 1 to 7 danda(1 dandanearly

equal to 2 meters) Trees on both sides of road and wells for

drinking water Traffic control rooms equipped with bells at

suitable locations. Animals attached to vehicles on hill road

(Ghantapath) must have bells on their necks

Properties of a good road

Ancient texts mention twelve desirable propertiesof good road which are relevant to modernconstruction practices.


15/21

Tunnel roads (Chhinnapath) must have fire at the

ends of tunnel (Bhrugudar). Dharmashala(free rest houses) on the both

ends of a bridge ( For traffic jam situation)

Road surface sloping from centre to edges for

quick water disposal

Paved road surface to avoid frequent repairs

Setu (bridge) necessary to cross a river.

Adequate Ghats(bathing places) with steps

should constructed at the ends of a bridge

Imposition of fines to prevent pollution of

bathing places and area near roadside trees by

passengers


16/21

Bhrugusamhitacompares a hill road with a creeperclimbing on a tall tree by gradual rising.

Ancient texts recommends that a road tax should berecovered from vehicles crossing the bridge.

This tax should be comparable to river ferry charges

Bridge Road tax

The text recommends that : The slope for hill roads should be 1 to 16 The surface should be sloping towards

the hill side.


17/21

An ancient text "Mayamat"has a separate chapter

on planning of villages or towns.

Village classification was based on number of roads.

The various types of villages are shown in a Table.

Planning of Roads


18/21

Classification of a village or town

Type Number of roads in aparticular direction

East to West North to South

Dandaka 1 1

Prastara 3 3 to 7Swastik 4 4

Prakirnaka 4 8 to 12

Nandivrata 5 13 to 18

Paraga 6 18 to 22

Padma 7 3 to 7

Shripratishtha 8 28 to 38


19/21

The Swastik road configurationis considered the best.

The concept of bypass roadsoriginated from this configuration.


20/21

Ancient References:

Bhrugusamhita-

Kautilya Arthshashtra

Maanasaara

Matsya Purana,

Mayamat

Samarangana Sutradhara

Yuktikalpataru


21/21

Dr.A.S.NeneEmail: [email protected]

For any suggestions

Contact

Documents

Transportation Engg in Ancient India