Ancient Indian Aviation Science

Many treatises of ancient Indian origin describe about the aviation science. The word 'ancient' used here refers to Vedic and Puranic era. Maharishi Bharadwaja's 'Vymanika Prakaranam' (Vymanika Shastra), extracts from Vedas, references in Puranic literature such as Bhagawata, Mahabharata,.Ramayana, Harivamsha, Samarangana Sutradhara of King Bhoja Raja and other works throw light on aviation knowledge pronounced by the preceptors of yester years.

Bharadwaja’s Vymanika Shastra is a part of Yantra Sarvaswa (encyclopedia on machines), authored by Rishi Bharadwaja. He belonged to both Treta and Dwapara Yugas and featured in a dynasty of preceptors, as son of Brihaspati and father of Dronacharya. In the introductory passages, the sage himself explains that this knowledge is culled out from Vedas and is being presented for the benefit of man-kind. On this treatise, Bodhananda, belonging to 10th Century, introduced commentaries. After undergoing hibernation for 10 centuries the treatise came in written form through Pandit Anekal Subbaraya Shastri between 1895 AD to 1918 AD alongwith other Bhautika Shastras. The transcripts in Sanskrit were sent to oriental research libraries in Pune and Baroda. English translation was done by Shri J R Josiar and published as Vymanika Shastra in 1973. The Hindi version called BrihadVimana Shastra was published by Dayanada Bhavan, Delhi in 1959.

Highlights of “Vymanika Shastra"

Pronouncements of Rishi Bharadwaja are in the form of 'Sutras' followed by 'Vritis' or explanatory notes from Bodhananda. It is revealing that other well known Rishis and preceptors such as Atri, Shownaka, Lallacharya, Galava, Agastya and Viswambhara etc. have also contributed through citation of principles. Principles so quoted draw references from certain topic-specific works such as Anshu Bodhini, Valmiki Ganita, Yana Bindu, Loha Kalpa, Kriya Sara, Rahasya Lahari, and over 40 such works. It appears that these reference works provided core research knowledge to applied science in Vymanika Shastra. The treatise dwells upon a number of topics related to flying machines covered in about 600 aphorisms. Leading topics of the treatise are:

1. Definition of Vimana.
2. The pilot (rahasyagnodhikari).
3. Concepts and techniques provided on board Vimana.
4. Season-specific food prescriptions for pilots.
5. Specific operational clothing for pilots.
6. Knowledge of atmosphere for pilots.
7. Function-based parts of Vimana.
8. Core metals and alloys for structural use.
9. Application-specific onboard yantras or contrivances.
10 Property-specific materials, Darapanas or mirrors( in yantras)
11. Varieties of Vimanas under Kritaka classification.


Definition:

Vimana is a Sanskrit word, generically used for flying craft in modern times as well. Derived from Vimana, Vi meaning 'bird' and Mana meaning 'like', denotes a craft flying like a bird under its own volition. It underlines the fact that ancient Indians had also derived inspiration from the birds in conceiving flying craft.
Acharyas Nararayan, Lallacharya, Vishwambahara, Shownaka, quoting reference works Vyomayana Tantra, Khetayana pradeepika, Yaana Bindu give definition as flying machine moving under its own power from place to place, island to island and from one loka to another.

The point of interest to modern science is that bands of atmosphere such as troposphere, stratosphere etc., equate well with this in characteristics as well as in bandwidth. 'Valmiki ganitha' Akasha
Kalpa, Anshu Bodhinee, Soundamini Kala are references quoted by preceptors, Lallacharya, Shownaka and Dundhinatha. Deeper studies in this area of science could bring out finer resolutions in equations: The net outcome of the study is tabulated in the Table-I. '

Function Based Parts of Vimana

The Chapter on 'Parts of Vimana' strangely discusses only special parts and features meant for specific functions, locations specified for these parts or fixtures seem to have been aptly chosen. Some of the parts are yantras or contrivances, some are packages or systems. Thirty one such parts are enumerated:

Vishwakriyaadapana or Mirror of outside views
Shaktyaakarshana or energy attracting mirror
Parivesha mechanism above the hood of the Vimana
(Angopasarnhaara Yantra or folding up yantra)
Vistritakriyaa or opening out yantra.
Vyroopya darpana Padmachakramukha
Kuntinee-shakti mechanism
Pushpinee and Pinjulaa Mirrors
Naalapanchaka (or 5 pipes)
Guhaagarbha mirror yantra
Thamoyantra
Pancha-vattaskandha-naala
Rowdree Mirror
Vaataskandh Keelaka
Shaktisthaana
Shabda-kendra-mukha
Vidyuddwaadashaka
Praanakundala
Shaktyudgama
Vakraprasaarana
Saktipanjara
Shirahkeelaka
Shabadaakarshaka yantra
Pata-prasaarana
Dishaampati yantra
Pattikaabhraka
Solar power attractor
Apasmarra or poison gas
Sthambhana Yantra
Vyshwaanara-naala

Core Metals and Alloys

The treatise prescribes three core metals and their alloys for constructional requirements of Vim ana. Basic requirements of these materials are lightness, strength and heat absorbent/resistant. Looking at properties prescribed, they are in consonance with stipulations in modern Aeronautics.

The three core metals are: SOMAKA, SOUNDALlKA and MOURTHWIKA; the ores being obtained from specified layers of earths crust. Even ge010gical aspects relating to formation of ores, the causative factors governing the ore formation such as Temperature, Huridisy, centrifugal force of earth, pressure inside earth's crust. While these features are known in modem science, the treatise gives additional factors such as intra-planetary forces of attraction in specified ratios and the gravitational force of the center of universe. Elaborate metallurgical processes include extraction, purification, melting and mixing three core metals, alloying 16 types of alloys.Metallurgical processes explain use of varieties of crucibles, furnaces and bellows of various shapes. These supporting tools themselves reflect on the existence of a high order of material practice. Use of acids, decoctions, juices materials of organic and inorganic origins in metallurgy system needs to be
noticed.

Application -Specific Yantras

By far the most high end part of the treatise Vimana Shastra is in 'Yantradhi Karanam' or chapter on contrivances. One half of the treatise dedicates to description of yantras explaining the arrangements to provide the desired effect. Many researchers have focused their study in this topic. Correct interpretation of key words in the aphorisms has led them to logical interpretations of intended functional roles. However this needs deeper study and experimentation.

Property -Specific Materials

Many unique and property specific materials typically needed for construction of yantras form interesting study for specialists of material sciences. Having many constituents in them, these materials are metallic, non-metallic, acids(Drava), glues(Lepa), Mirrors(Darpanas). The number of ingredients in these materials is even up to 20. They are of organic and inorganic nature, include pars from animals and birds, botanical plants and substances of oceanic origins. It is this aspect of natural science that has been attracted many modem scientists in the last decade. Reports received from some leading laboratories in India confirm that some of the materials, developed in their labs as per formulas given in Vimana shastra and related works Anshu Bodhinee, are unique in nature. Given a fair chance to the research activists, a new family of materials and parallel generation of material technology could evolve. With the advent of bio-metallurgy in modem science, olden metallurgical practices should get a fillip. Some of the materials already developed are:

Tamogarbha Loha
Panchadhara Loha
Arara Loha
Chumbaka Mani
Paragrendka Drava
Prakashasthanbhanabida Loha


Varieties of Vimanas

The treatise deals with four types of Viman as of Kritaha Category. In the absence of detailed descriptions, it would be a difficult exercise to understand all about them. Some of the diagrams given in the work give a rough idea even though diagrams themselves need to be reviewed. Nevertheless, a few deductions about these four aircraft are cited below:

Out of Twenty Five types listed, four Vimanas, Shakuna, Sundara, Rukma and Tripura are explained in brief.
Their constructional details include structural parts, propulsion system, on board accessories, electrical and solar energy harnessing, flying control arrangements etc.,aerodynamic streamlining of the structure appears interesting.
Special alloys like Rajaloha and Trinetra loha,in structural construction,are specified.
Propulsion energy systems include engine-driven propellers, internal combustion, jet propulsion, mercury and solar energy.

Shakuna Vimana
Apparently it is one of the early conceptions under Kritaka category.

Propeller-driven; powered by an internal combustion power plant.

Deriving its name from Shakuna (Bird), it has flapping and feathering control surfaces actuated by powered jacks.

Out of 28 parts mentioned major ones are; floor board, hollow mast, heaters, air suction pipes,steam boiler, Vidyut yantra etc.,

Sundara Vimana
Significant feature is in the jet propulsion system. A Mixture of three oils form the Energy-developing fuel.Ignition is by electric energy. High energy gases are pushed through flexible metal-impregnated fabric hoses acting as jet nozzles.
Flexible jet pies also provide directional control.Structural material specified is Raja Loha.Main parts of this vimana are - five engines, base plate, electrical generator, wind blower, heater.

Rukma Vimana
Appearance of a hover Craft
Rukma Meaning Golden, the Vimana has aesthetic Golden Appearance. Structural material is Raja Loha. Solar Energy harnessing is mentioned. Retractable landing gear is indicated. Directional control is from three rudder arrangement.

Tripura Vimana
It is a unique three-in-one concept. It can operate under water, on land and space.
Propulsion power is by solar energy.Construction material is Trinetra Loha making the Vimana an extremely light vehicle. It has three-tier construction, one for each flying application. Each tier is functionally equipped. On-board systems include yantras providing safety against air currents and radiations.

Other Aspects of Science Unraveled in Vymanika Shastra

Besides aspects of Aviation Science, Vymanica Shastra exposes several other interesting phenomenon of scientific interest.
1.Principles elucidated refer to several core text hinting that the basis of these texts was on broad based research.
2.While discussing formation of metallic ores in the earth's crust, causative factors governing ore formation are:
-Force of earth's rotation
-Temperature and humidity inside earth
-Gravitational force of earth
-Gravitational influence of other planets, stars and even the centre of the universe.
3.Material science includes substance of metallic, non-metallic, organic, Inorganic, Botanical and Herbal,Oceanic origins
4.Source-related Classification of Materials
-Artificial or Synthetic
-Soil Origin
-Aquatic Origin
-Mineral Origin
-Vegetation origin
-Vennin based
-Animal origin
-Hair Origin
-Egg born.
5.Mercury as a potent source of energy in a number of applications.
6.Use of Mirrors for Radiation Energy-Control and harnessing
7.Definite system of units of measurements existed.
Length -Vitasthi, Angula, Danda, Krosha
Weight -Mushthi, Linka, Pala
Temperature -Kakshya
Speed -Prenkhana, Linka
Time -Ghatika
Volume -Drona.
8.Description on special clothing for pilots indicates the extent of knowledge prevailing on fabric technology using silk, cotton, wool, hair, moss and leather.
9.Harnessing of energy from atmospheric source such as solar radiation, cloud energy, energy from air currents seem to be unique.
10.Principles of development of electrical energy by different means were conceived.
11.Stipulations of close melting temperatures cited in material production hint at precision in pyrometry.
12.Knowledge on high potency explosives and their detection methods indicate a different kind of warfare, akin to recent centuries.


Table-I
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Troposphere- High Air Density-Rekha Patha-Shaktyavarta
Stratosphere- Clear Air Turbulence-Mandal Patha-Vatavarta
Mesosphere- Extreme Cold-Kendra Patha-Shaitva Varta
Thermosphere- Extreme Hot-Sakti Patha-Gharshana Varta
Van-Allen Belt-Radiation Hazards-Kaksha Patha-Kiranavartha
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(Wg.Comdr.M.P.Rao delivered a lecture in Bangalore in which he provided startling conclusions about ancient Indian aviation science.)