Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

FReeper Canteen ~ Part IX of War in Ancient India ~ September 7, 2004
A Tribute to Hinduism ^ | September 7, 2004 | LaDivaLoca

Posted on 09/06/2004 8:00:06 PM PDT by LaDivaLoca

 
 

For the freedom you enjoyed yesterday...
Thank the Veterans who served in
The United States Armed Forces.

 
 

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom?
Support The United States Armed Forces Today!

 
 




ANCIENT WARFARE





Part IX: War in Ancient India

 
Aerial Warfare

No question can be more interesting in the present circumstances of the world than India’s contribution to the science of aeronautics. There are numerous illustration in our vast Puranic and epic literature to show how well and wonderfully the ancient Indians conquered the air. To glibly characterize everything found in this literature as imaginary and summarily dismiss it as unreal has been the practice of both Western and Eastern scholars until very recently. The very idea indeed was ridiculed and people went so far to assert that it was physically impossible for man to use flying machines. But today what with balloons, airplanes…..” 

Turning to Vedic literature, in one of the Brahmanas occurs the concept of a ship that sails heavenwards. The ship is the Agnihotra of which the Ahavaniya and Garhapatya fires represent the two sides bound heavenward, and the steersman is the Agnihotrin who offers milk to the three Agnis. Again in the still earlier Rg Veda Samhita we read that the Asvins conveyed the rescued Bhujya safely by means of winged ships. The latter may refer to the aerial navigation in the earliest times.  

In the recently published Samarangana Sutradhara of Bhoja, a whole chapter of about 230 stanzas is devoted to the principles of construction underlying the various flying machines and other engines used for military and other purposes. 

The various advantages of using machines, especially flying ones, are given elaborately. Special mention is made of their use at one’s will and pleasure, of their uninterrupted movements, of their strength and durability, in short of their capability to do in the air all that is done on earth. Three movements are usually ascribed to these machines, - ascending, cruising thousands of miles in different directions in the atmosphere and lastly descending. It is said that in an aerial car one can mount up to Suryamandala, ‘solar region’ and the Naksatra mandala (stellar region) and also travel throughout the regions of air above the sea and the earth. These cars are said to move so fast as to make a noise that could be heard faintly from the ground. The evidence in its favor is overwhelming. 

An aerial car is made of light, wood looking like a great bird with a durable and well-formed body having mercury inside and fire at the bottom. It had two resplendent wings, and is propelled by air. It flies in the atmospheric regions for a great distance and carries several persons along with it. The inside construction resembles heaven created by Brahma himself. Iron, copper, lead and other metals are also used for these machines. All these show how far art and science was developed in ancient India in this direction. Such elaborate description ought to meet the criticism that the vimanas and similar aerial vehicles mentioned in ancient Indian literature should be relegated to the region of myth. 

The ancient writers could certainly make a distinction between the mythical which they designated as daiva and the actual aerial wars designated as manusa. 

After the great victory of Rama over Lanka, Vibhisana presented him with the Puspaka vimana which was furnished with windows, apartments, and excellent seats. It was capable of accommodating all the vanaras besides Rama, Sita and Lakshman. Again in the Vikramaurvaisya, we are told that king Puraravas rode in an aerial car to rescue Urvasi in pursuit of the Danava who was carrying her away. Similarly in the Uttararamacarita in the flight between Lava and Candraketu (Act VI) a number of aerial cars are mentioned as bearing celestial spectators. There is a statement in the Harsacarita of Yavanas being acquainted with aerial machines. The Tamil work Jivakacintamani refers to Jivaka flying through the air.   

Kathasaritsagara refers to highly talented woodworkers called Rajyadhara and Pranadhara. The former was so skilled in mechanical contrivances that he could make ocean crossing chariots. And the latter manufactured a flying chariot to carry a thousand passengers in the air. These chariots were stated to be as fast as thought itself. 

(source: India Through The Ages: History, Art Culture and Religion - By G. Kuppuram p. 532-533).

(for more information on vimanas please refer to chapter on Vimanas

 

Next Tuesday, Part X of War in Ancient India





TOPICS: Free Republic; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: aerialwarfare; ancientindia; ashoka; canteen; freepercanteen; hindi; hindu; hinduism; india; prozacchewables; tao; taoism; taoist; tinfoilhat; war
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 101-120121-140141-160 ... 421-437 next last
To: bentfeather

Good morning Ms. Feather!


121 posted on 09/07/2004 8:28:41 AM PDT by laurenmarlowe
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 119 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Good morning, Ma!


122 posted on 09/07/2004 8:30:15 AM PDT by tomkow6 (Canteen CooCoo Consultant, and CookingWithLARD.com person)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 116 | View Replies]

To: bentfeather

Good morning, Ms Feather!


123 posted on 09/07/2004 8:30:47 AM PDT by tomkow6 (Canteen CooCoo Consultant, and CookingWithLARD.com person)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 119 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska
center>{{{{{ KATHY! }}}}}

You're up early!

124 posted on 09/07/2004 8:38:00 AM PDT by Old Sarge (ZOT 'em all, let MOD sort 'em out!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 118 | View Replies]

To: laurenmarlowe
{{{{{ LAUREN! }}}}}

Nicetaseeyahtoday!


125 posted on 09/07/2004 8:38:29 AM PDT by Old Sarge (ZOT 'em all, let MOD sort 'em out!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 121 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

I got a call from Billy! He's in Japan. I don't know exactly where. Some of the guys went in to Tokyo, but he had midnight liberty, so couldn't go. He went out with about 60 guys from the boat, and had his first run-in with shore patrol. Nobody got hauled in, but it was great fun. As he told me the story, I clearly pictured John Wayne in the middle of it all.


126 posted on 09/07/2004 8:41:36 AM PDT by BykrBayb (5 minutes of prayer for Terri, every day at 11 am EDT, until she's safe. http://www.terrisfight.org)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 47 | View Replies]

To: Old Sarge
Ahhhhh Sarge, thanks for the squeeze this morning!

Crisp air, the aroma of apples,
dry leaves rustling underfoot
Color, reds, yellows, browns,
the smell of wood smoke
the taste of cider and Cinnamon donuts
goblins roaming dark nights
and the earth preparing to sleep
wearing her best white dress
blowing her frost covered winds everywhere.
Ah Fall is in the air!

127 posted on 09/07/2004 8:51:42 AM PDT by Soaring Feather (What month is it??)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 120 | View Replies]

To: laurenmarlowe

GM, Lauren!!!


128 posted on 09/07/2004 8:52:32 AM PDT by Soaring Feather (What month is it??)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 121 | View Replies]

To: tomkow6

GM, Angel Boy!


129 posted on 09/07/2004 8:53:00 AM PDT by Soaring Feather (What month is it??)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 123 | View Replies]

To: All
John Kerry directly contributed to the lies of the anti war movement AND caused deaths and injuries
to US Military serving in Vietnam AND
directly caused deaths from injuries at home AND countless suicides because of his false testimony.

John Kerry is not fit to be elected dog catcher let alone President of the United States.
ANYONE who votes for Kerry AFTER knowing this data
is guilty of covering up John Kerry's war crimes!


John Kerry, director of the Vietnam Veterans against the War,
testified before special session the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
April 22, 1971

KERRY GAVE TESTIMONY BASED UPON FALSE INFORMATION
THAT KERRY KNEW AHEAD OF TIME TO BE FALSE!




September 6, 2004 -- **BREAKING** In Yesterday's Lies: Steve Pitkin and the Winter Soldiers, Scott Swett tells the story of a former VVAW member and participant in the Winter Soldier Investigation who states that John Kerry and others pressured him to give false testimony about American atrocities in Vietnam. After more than 33 years, Pitkin is the first Winter Soldier "witness" to file a legal affadavit regarding that event...

My name is Steve Pitkin, age 20, from Baltimore. I served with the 9th Division from May of '69 until I was airvaced in July of '69. I'll testify about the beating of civilians and enemy personnel, destruction of villages, indiscriminate use of artillery, the general racism and the attitude of the American GI toward the Vietnamese. I will also talk about some of the problems of the GIs toward one another and the hassle with officers.

-- Steve Pitkin, Winter Soldier Investigation, February 1, 1971.


E-Mail and/or fax these url's to EVERYONE ASAP! Kerry MUST be exposed NOW!
PUT PRESSURE ON THE MEDIA TO COVER THIS BEFORE NOV 2nd

Steve Pitkin Affadavit, August 31, 2004


http://ice.he.net/~freepnet/kerry/staticpages/index.php?page=PitkinAff

Steve Pitkin DD-214


http://ice.he.net/~freepnet/kerry/graphics/PitkinDD214.jpg

Steve Pitkin WSI testimony


http://ice.he.net/~freepnet/kerry/staticpages/index.php?page=PitkinWSI

Steve Pitkin WSI video clips -- February 1, 1971 (4:16, 1.6MB)


http://www.wintersoldier.com/video/pitkin2.wmv

John F. Kerry
Timeline of a traitor.
Click Here


http://www.archive-news.net/Kerry/JK_timeline.html


Guide to Local Media
Locate media in your zip code, gives you links to YOUR local media with phone, e-mail etc info.

Free Internet Fax Service
Free E-Mail to Fax from your computer, just fill in form on page , they do the rest.
Make sure you enter fax # like this 12025551212 (no spaces or -)


Is the number you want them to SEND FREE FAX covered?

Complete list of areas they SEND FREE FAXES to

130 posted on 09/07/2004 8:54:03 AM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (MAKE SURE YOUR YOU ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED AND VOTE Nov 2nd!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: tomkow6; Kathy in Alaska; All

Well Drudge reporting that Wash Times ace reporter Bill Gertz going have new book where he run smack chat on how Iran score nuke from Russia France Germany and all its tech then sell to third party countries like Syria Lebanon and North Korea

I hear that State dept threated to prosecute Bill Gertz

SHUT UP State dept you just tick off that Gertz is run smack chat on you you deserve it


Also Interfax wire reporting that massive anti terrorist rally held of all of Russia today and editor of independant newpaper Izaiantia Today got sack by the Kremlin

What hell are you doing Vlad

That so 1930 KGB state


131 posted on 09/07/2004 8:59:45 AM PDT by SevenofNine ("Not everybody , in it, for truth, justice, and the American way,"=Det Lennie Briscoe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: E.G.C.

Good morning, E! ((HUGS)) Forgot I had to be at work early this morning. Major RUSH RUSH RUSH. Fall is rapidly coming. It's clear and crisp out this morning. Hope you are having nice weather.


132 posted on 09/07/2004 9:04:03 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (God Bless America and Our Troops Who Protect Her)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 36 | View Replies]

To: Chieftain

You guys are sure getting pounded. We all hope that Ivan turns out to sea, and leaves you all alone. Stay safe.


133 posted on 09/07/2004 9:07:32 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (God Bless America and Our Troops Who Protect Her)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies]

To: bentfeather
In all of the signs that autumn is here,
please don't forget the pines, my dear,
a beautiful stand of tall stately trees
with their feet in the needles and their boughs in the breeze,

A soft bed beneath them, all warm and inviting
with more from the branches adrift and alighting,
the perfume of pine sap, so rich in aroma
that snaps and that bubbles in the fire's corona

Whether campfire, or hearthstone, the warmth and the light
serve to comfort and drive off the chill of the night.

So Autumn wishes to all I would send,
of campfires, cocoa, and time spent with a friend.


134 posted on 09/07/2004 9:07:33 AM PDT by Old Sarge (ZOT 'em all, let MOD sort 'em out!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 127 | View Replies]

To: beachn4fun
Hey there, beach....so glad to hear that son and family are safe and doing well.
Are you getting rain from Frances? Have you had your first day of school yet?


135 posted on 09/07/2004 9:11:53 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (God Bless America and Our Troops Who Protect Her)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 60 | View Replies]

To: tomkow6

136 posted on 09/07/2004 9:13:32 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (God Bless America and Our Troops Who Protect Her)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 62 | View Replies]

To: StarCMC
Thank you, Medal of Honor Recipients, for your sacrifices for your fellow Sailors.

S/QM Arther and QG Asten and Yeoman Atkinson


137 posted on 09/07/2004 9:16:14 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (God Bless America and Our Troops Who Protect Her)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 64 | View Replies]

To: Arrowhead1952
Good morning, Arrow.....hope you got to fish or golf or relax over your 4 day weekend.

Thanks for helping keep Texas and the US of A safe. And thanks for helping honor our military, past and present.

.
138 posted on 09/07/2004 9:19:26 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (God Bless America and Our Troops Who Protect Her)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 76 | View Replies]

To: Kathy in Alaska

Good morning Kathy. I did some fishing, but not much catching. My neighbor and I made some finger-licking good, Texas style BBQ on Sunday. It was very hot, but we have a beach umbrella to sit under.


139 posted on 09/07/2004 9:25:32 AM PDT by Arrowhead1952 (kerry wants to rely on 4 months in Nam, not almost 20 yrs AWOL in the Senate.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 138 | View Replies]

To: laurenmarlowe

Beautiful fall colors. Have a great day, lauren.


140 posted on 09/07/2004 9:26:27 AM PDT by Kathy in Alaska (God Bless America and Our Troops Who Protect Her)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 80 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 101-120121-140141-160 ... 421-437 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson