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8/2/2019 Transportation Engg in Ancient India
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Edited & Compiled byDr.A.S.Nene
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Introduction
Surface Transport Ratha-shastra
Water Transport
Nauka-shastra
Air-Space transport Agniyan-shastra
Concluding Remarks
References
Contents
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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Seven Kala(s) -Arts or SkillsBalhadibhirjaldarshan Floats & BuoysSutradirajjukaran Rope preparationPatbandhan Cloth to mastNaukanayan NavigationSamabhumikriya Ground levelingShilarcha Breaking stonesVivarkaran Tunneling
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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
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A- Surface Transport - Rathashashtra
Clay carts found at Mohenjodaro Excavations
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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The Swastik road configurationis considered the best.
The concept of bypass roadsoriginated from this configuration.
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Ancient References:
Bhrugusamhita-
Kautilya Arthshashtra
Maanasaara
Matsya Purana,
Mayamat
Samarangana Sutradhara
Yuktikalpataru
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Dr.A.S.NeneEmail: [email protected]
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