Indian Antiquary Vol 05

SR No.: 032497
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jas Burgess
Publisher: Swati Publications
Publication Year: 1984
Total Pages: 438
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 20 MB

Page 116

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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[MARCH, 1876.
son of Antigenes caught measured about sixteen they rest upon the ground, and pressing against cúbits, though the Indians allege that the largest it with their left foot thus discharge the arrow, suakes are much larger. But no cure of the having drawn the string far backwards: for tho bite of the Indian snake has been found out by shaft they use is little short of being three any of the Greek physicians, though the Indians, yards long, and there is nothing which can reit is certain, can cure those who have been sist an Indian archer's shot, -neither shield nor bitten. And Nearchus adds this, that Alex- breast-plate, nor any stronger defence if such an der had all the most skilful of the Indians in there be. In their left hand they carry bucklers the healing art collected around him, and had made of undressed ox-hide, which are not so caused proclamation to be made throughout the broad as those who carry them, but are about camp that if anyone were bitten he should re- as long. Some are equipped with javelins pair to the royal tent; but these very same men instead of bows, but all wear a sword, which is were able to cure other diseases and pains also. broad in the blade, but not longer than three But with many bodily pains the Indians are not cubits; and this, when they engage in close fight afflicted, because in their country the seasons are (which they do with reluctance), they wield genial. But in the case of an attack of severe with both hands, to fetch down a lustier blow. pain they consult the sages, and these seemed The horsemen are equipped with two lances to cure whatever diseases could be cured not like the lances called sa unia, and with a shorter without divine help.
backler than that carried by the foot-soldiers. XVI. The dress worn by the Indians is But they do not put saddles on their horses, made of cotton, as Nearchus tells us,-cotton nor do they curb them with bits like the bits in produced from those trees of which mention use among the Greeks or the Celts, but they fit has already been made. But this cotton is on round the extremity of the horse's mouth either of a brighter white colour than any cota circular piece of stitched raw ox-hide studded ton found elsewhere, or the darkness of the with pricks of iron or brass pointing inwards, Indian complexion makes their apparel look so but not very sharp: if a man is rich he uses much the whiter. They wear an under-garment pricks made of ivory. Within the horse's mouth of cotton which reaches below the knee halfway | is put an iron prong like a skewer, to which down to the ankles, and also an upper garment | the reins are attached. When the rider then which they throw partly over their shoulders, pulls the reins, the prong controls the horse, and and partly twist in folds round their head. the pricks which are attached to this prong The Indians wear also earrings of ivory, but only gcad the mouth, so that it cannot bat obey the such of them do this as are very wealthy, for all reins. Indians do not vear them. Their beards, Ne- XVII. The Indians are in person slender and archus tells us, they dye of one hue and tall, and of much lighter weight than other men. another, according to taste. Some dye their The animals used by the common sort for riding white beards to make them look as white as pos- on are camels and horses and asses, while the sible, but others dye them blue; while some again wealthy use clephants,- for it is the elephant prefer a red tint, some a purple, and others a which in India carries royalty. The conveyance rank green. Such Indians, he also says, as are which ranks next in honour is the chariot and thought anything of, use parasols as a screen four; the camel ranks third, while to be drawn from the heat. They wear shoes made of white by a single horse is considered no distinction at leather, and these are elaborately trimmed, while all. But Indian women, if possessed of uncomthe soles are variegated, and made of great thick- mon discretion, would not stray from virtue for ness, to make the 'wearer seem so much the any reward short of an elephant, but on receis. taller.
ing this a lady lets the giver enjoy her person. I proceed now to describe the mode in which Nor do the Indians consider it any disgrace to the Indians equip themselves for war, premising a woman to grant her favours for an elephant, that it is not to be regarded as the only one in but it is rather regarded as a high compliment vogue. The foot-soldiers carry a bow made of to the ladies that their charms should be deemed equal length with the man who bears it. This worth an elephant. They marry without either
Or perhaps is considered a disgrace."