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brothers were first human beings to fly in early twentieth
century with the invention of their aircraft. However, the
ancient Vedic literature suggest something else. Throughout
the Vedic writings, there are many instances of the interesting
descriptions of flying machines referred in Sanskrit as 'Viman'.
The texts describe a 'Viman' to fly with the "speed of
the wind" giving a melodious sound.
We can find four different types of 'Vimans’ described
in the text. They are; Shakuna Viman, Sundara Viman, Rukma
Viman , Tripura Viman. The flying objects are either saucer-shaped
or long cylinders shaped like a cigar.
The four types of 'Viman' fall into two categories; manmade
and non-manmade. Manmade aircraft were described as airplanes
and fly with the aid of birdlike wings. They are described
in many secular Sanskrit works dealing with architecture,
military siege engines, and other mechanical books.
Non-manmade aircraft were described as un-streamlined structures
that fly in a mysterious manner and are generally not made
by human beings. They are described in ancient works such
as the Rig Veda, the Mahabharat, the Ramayana, and the Puran.
Among the more famous ancient texts that mention 'Viman'
are the Ramayana called Puspa Viman and Mahabhara. Other
lesser known texts include the Samarangana Sutradhara, the
Yuktikalpataru of Bhoja (12th century A.D.), the Mayamatam
(attributed to the architect Maya celebrated in the Mahabharata),
the Rig Veda, the Yajurveda and the Ataharvaveda.
According to the ancient historians, other texts which
mention 'Viman' and travels are the Satapathya Brahmanas;
the Rig Veda Samhita; the Harivamsa; the Makandeya Purana;
the Visnu Purana; the Vikramaurvasiya; the Uttararamacarita;
the Harsacarita; the Tamil text Jivakocintamani; and the
Samaranganasutradhara.
Among
all of the above ancient texts, the 'Vaimanika Sastra' is
perhaps the most important ancient text on 'Viman' known
to exist. It was reported to have been found in an Indian
Library in early 1900s. The 'Vaimanika Sastra' refers to
97 past works and authorities, of which at least 20 works
deal with the mechanism of aerial flying machines, but none
of these works are now traceable. Many Sanskrit literature
experts doubt the
authenticity
of the transcripts of the work date from early 20th century.
On careful analysis it has been found that the work retained
some antique features pertaining to an old 'Sastra'.
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In the ancient times, authors on politics have very often been found to have written on the technical sciences also. One of them was Bharadwaja who described the arts of manufacturing various types of Airplanes of smooth and comfortable travel in the sky, as a unifying force for the Universe, contributive to the well-being of mankind. (what about vishokarma who made puspa viman in
ramayan)
In the Manusa, the most elaborate details for building 'Viman' are set down. The Samarangana Sutradhara says that they were made of light material, with a strong, well-shaped body. Iron, copper, mercury and lead were used in their construction. They could fly to great distances and were propelled through air by motors. The Samarangana Sutradhara text devotes 230 stanzas to the building of these machines, and their uses in peace and war.
Strong and durable must the body be made, like a great flying bird, of light material. Inside it one must place the Mercury-engine with its iron heating apparatus beneath. By means of the power latent in the mercury which sets the driving whirlwind in motion, a man sitting inside may travel a great distance in the sky in a most marvelous manner. Similarly by using the prescribed processes one can build a
'Viman' as large as the temple of the God-in-motion. Four strong mercury containers must be built into the interior structure. When these have been heated by controlled fire from iron containers, the
'Viman' develops thunder-power through the mercury. And at once it becomes a pearl in the sky. Moreover, if this iron engine with properly welded joints be filled with mercury, and the fire be conducted to the upper part it develops power with the roar of a lion.
We might never be absolutely certain if people ever fly in 'Vedic' age or not. However, we can do more research on this topic to be sure that if they possessed that knowledge or not. I hope my article will generate curiosity and the topic and inspire new as well as old generation of researcher in this topic.
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