Arms and Armours
  
In Ancient India it appears that although the aspect of the well-being of human beings and other creatures was very important, the thought that peace could be achieved by engaging in fight with the enemy was also recognized. The last mantra of the Rigveda which says, "our knowledge and minds have commonness." and the famous fight of Indra with Vritra support this view. In the later days of the Brahmanas, the idea of getting over or conquering rivals was invariably associated with the performance of Vedic rituals. This is evident from the description of the Gods and the demons fighting for supremacy.

 

 

             Chest Metal Plate                   (Deccan)
18th Cent A.D.

 

Armour, Shields & Swords      (Maharashtra)
18-19th Cent A.D

 


Noted scholar Hobs is of the opinion that man was fond of fight since the beginning and that society was based on the "Fish law". During the Vedic period, war was regarded as the a commendable activity.
It was respected as a great religion and a message from God. The saying that "the earth is enjoyed by heroes" proves that heroes were very important. In the Atharva-veda, fight is compared with the ‘Yadnya’ sacrifice which is always waited upon by the warriors.

In this sacrifice, a person with magic demonic powers could make offerings and reach heaven with a great position. Thus, Ambarish who was a desirous Commander- in-Chief of Army burnt himself in the flames of fire and reached heaven.
As per "Manu-Smriti" this-is the only solution to keep peace. ‘Engage yourself in war, is the best way for peace’. According to Yadnyavalkya, the heroes who sacrifice their lives are of greater importance than the sages. In the Hitopadesha, battle is declared as a divine institution.
The epic Mahabharata is based on the same kind of thinking. Vidura, the peace loving Prime Minister of Dhritarashtra, also defines battle as an unavoidable act for peace, protector of human quality, destroyer of evil and a saviour of religion.
In "Vishnu Purana" ,battle is known as a human religion. "Kalki-purana" justifies the killing of even gods who confront enemies.
In the 6th Century B. C., Magadh - Emperor Ajatashatru declared war against the neighboring republic of "Vajji". On this occasion, Gautama Buddha, the incarnation of non-violence did not criticise the attack or condemn it. He however, cautioned the Vajjis, saying that if there is unity among the Vajjis nobody could destroy them. In the later period they resorted to this principle and overcame the enemy. The great follower of Ahimsa thus could not avoid the necessity of war.
The Jain religion has- praised the winners of wars. Shukracharya, the author of "Shukraniti-sara" has also declared the formulas of the Godly, manly and also of the demonly mystic - words to be logical. Chandogya Upanishad while formalising the war declares it as a great stimulus and adds that happiness lies in greatness. In ancient India the sacrifices called Ashwamedha, Agnistut, Vajapeya and Rajasuya were instrumental to the exhibition of sovereignty and royal power. The sacrifices performed by the rulers of Panchala, Videha etc. were with the spirit of conquering.

Blunder Burst Gunpowder Boxes, Pistol, Hilt Iron &Gold Damascene

(Sindh)
18th Cent. AD

(Maharashtra)
19th Cent. AD

(Hyderabad) 18th Cent.A.D.



 

War is a psychological truth. Explosion of anger of individuals in mass or group to a particular situation is the main reason for war. According to psychologists, war is the result of several causes such as the feeling for protection, prestige, racism or personal selfish achievements. Anger is accelerated by contention of personal agitation and racism. Low level of education and finance are responsible for replacing reason by follow up and suggestion. Thus, one reacts by following thought in his own way. Badly spirited social tension is born because of false allegation, wrong speeches and fear of propogation. Demolition, destructive and explosive guidance as well as declaration of war - necessity by leaders or generals as a religious and national duty can concentrate on the war - lovers or military in one particular direction. Amicability, financial power, exposition of penalty and division force all these things to act as a stimulus.

At the same time the inspiration is very high. Lee Bon, Martin and Mac Dougle believe that human beings behave very differently in a crowd.A crowd is more prone to aggression and arrogance. The social form of war is further very attractive. War is the result of personal rivalry. Until one obtains success or an alternative to war, man is at war. According to sociologist James, peace gives rise to laziness, impotence and slow speed.

General Homaliya puts forward that war is the basis for nationalism. He thinks that the borders of a country should always become wider or contracted. The country like Egypt, Italy, Germany and England make this aspect very evident in their history. Our country instead is divided on the basis of different languages, customs and beliefs. War is the only f actor to unite our people together. The war with China and Pakistan has proved this. If there is no war internal problems crop up.

Literatures of the world prove the importance of war everywhere. "Iliad", "Odyssey", "Mahabharat" and "Ramayana" etc. are mainly based on the factor of fight. Economics treats peace as empty and nonsense. All wars break up because of the restrictions and imposition of taxes by a country on others. Politics is the closest companion of war.

Mahabharat in the Sanskrit literature is the best example of this in which Draupadi criticizes Yudhishthira and blames him for staking her in dice-play. The female characters have been delineated as the responsible units of war. With the times of Buddha and Mahavira the concept of nonviolence (Ahimsa) was very much adhered to. But the history of India being not very perfect about its existence, fighting and war definitely seem to have continued through all the ages. All this proves that quarrel and fighting are essentials for the human life from the very beginning. Once a human being is born the aspect of war is also born. Even if one is not willing to have a war, the nature does not allow him to do so. This is the natural fact which we have pointed out in the beginning. For any kind of fight the arms were of great significance.

In Vedic period the sling-stone was very popular and it was used for striking an enemy from a distance by throwing. The thunderbolt ‘Vajra’ was of ten used by Indra against Vritra the demon. Mention is also made of other means of fight. The ‘astra’ was very regularly used for throwing as compared to shastra which was an arm to directly attack and tear open the body of the enemy. The Agnyastra and Sarpostra played a very Important role. They were presided over by great divinities like the Fire & serpent god etc. The Bows and arrows regularly used for throwing and killing the enemy. The sword and mace were applied as shastras.

The Arms saw a great development in the later classical period. One can also see the decoration made on them. There were Arms, which were placed on display to create an atmosphere of power and strength of the rulers. Beside arms one can also observe the growth of armours which were worn by the fighters on their bodies to protect themselves from the onslaught of the enemy. This includes the helmet, which was used to save the head and face. The building of castles or forts were declared as useful for hiding and for safety purposes. Right from the Vedic times the castles were resorted to for fortification and preparation of the Army.

In the classical period they were very popular as seats of royal power. The history of the Marathas speaks of the coronation ceremony of Chatrapati Shivaji on the Raigad fort. The royal power was then measured with the number of forts possessed by the kings.

The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum shows a variety of articles under the section of Arms and Armours consisting of about 250 numbers. It is now well-known that these articles were collected by our late founder Director Padmashri Dr. D. G. Kelkar out of his love for history and art work. One can also find that the weapons are displayed in other works of art. The main use of these articles however as said above was for inflicting an onslaught on others and for protecting one's own self.