Ancient Skies - Vol 12 No 6 - 1985-86

Magazine Overview

Title: ANCIENT SKIES
Issue: Volume 12, Number 6
Date: January-February, 1986
Publisher: ANCIENT ASTRONAUT SOCIETY
Country: USA
Theme: Ancient aviation, Vedic literature, Sanskrit texts, UFOs, Ancient technology

Flying Machines in Ancient India by Dr. Dileep Kumar Kanjilal

This article, based on Dr. Kanjilal's book "Vimana in Ancient India," explores the extensive descriptions of flying machines and aerial journeys found in ancient Indian Sanskrit literary texts. The author's curiosity was sparked by these accounts, leading him to investigate their relevance and construction modalities.

Literary Sources

Until recently, the primary known source was the "Vaimanika Sastra." However, Dr. Kanjilal highlights other significant works and authorities that deal with "Vimana" (airplane) from a scientific perspective:

• Samarangana Sutradhara and Yuktikalpataru by Bhoja (12th Century AD).
• Mayamatam, attributed to the architect Maya, celebrated in the Mahabharata.
• Approximately 150 verses from the Rg. Veda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.
• Literary passages from the Ramayana (c. 5th Century BC), Mahabharata (c. 6th Century BC to 2nd Century AD), Puranas, Bhagavata (c. 9th Century AD), Raghuvamsam, and Abhijnanasakuntalam by Kalidasa (c. 2nd Century BC).
• References from the Jatakas (c. 3rd Century BC), Avadana Literature (1st to 3rd Century AD), and Kathasaritsagara (c. 10th Century AD).

The "Vaimanika Sastra" and its Publication

The text of the science on aeronautics, known as "Vaimanika Sastra," became more widely available starting in 1968. The Dayananda Trust published it, followed by a second edition in 1977. The International Academy of Sanskrit Research in Mysore published another edition in 1973, which included English translations and sketches of flying machines but lacked critical apparatus. A Hindi edition provided an introduction stating that a paper transcript of the original manuscript was found in the Baroda Royal Sanskrit Library in 1918.

Early Mentions and Traditions

• Swami Dayananda Saraswati, in his 1875 commentary on the Rg. Veda, acknowledged the existence of aerial flying machines in ancient India.
• B. G. Talpule wrote a book in Marathi in 1907, "Vimana Kalecha Sodha," describing the construction of a flying machine he claimed to have built and tested in Bombay Chowpatti in 1895, suggesting the "Vai. Sastra" was known even then.
• The earliest manuscript tradition of flying machines in India ranges between the 12th and 17th Century AD.

Vedic Descriptions of Aerial Vehicles

• The Rg. Veda first designates aerial vehicles as "Ratha" (vehicle or carriage). The idea of vehicles following bird tracks is present.
• The Rbhus built an aerial chariot for the twin Asvinas, described as triangular, three-tiered, uneven, and capable of moving through heaven and sky at speeds faster than the mind.
• These vehicles could be made of gold, silver, or iron, were often triangular, and could carry pilots and passengers.
• They were described as possessing speed faster than the mind, moving like birds, and descending with great sound.
• The term "madhu" (honey or Soma) and "anna" (fermented juice from rice) are mentioned, possibly indicating fuel sources like alcohol.

Characteristics and Capabilities

• The vehicles were piloted by at least three persons.
• They had three wheels, possibly retractable.
• They contained honey or liquid, and were equipped with amenities.
• The Puspaka aerial vehicle is described as resembling a tapering hill, decorated with gold, precious stones, and gems, with yellowish banners and swan motifs. It could travel about 1800 miles in 9 hours, achieving speeds of approximately 200 mph.
• The Mahabharata describes Arjuna's journey with Matali, encountering numerous aerial vehicles in the starry regions.
• The Sabha-parvan mentions celestial beings and "satellite cities" that could move in the sky, similar to present-day space stations.
• The Jataka stories contain references to aerial vehicles, some capable of descending on seas.
• The Kathasaritsagara records ten instances of flying machines, including mechanical contrivances that could move on earth, water, fire, and air.

Technical Details and Components

The "Vai. Sastra" mentions 31 component parts of aerial flying machines, some of which are still beyond modern technology:

• Telescope-like instrument for viewing.
• Mirror for attracting energy.
• Devices for contracting/expanding the aircraft.
• Mirror for detecting damage.
• Steering device.
• Device for suppressing energy.
• Mine detector.
• Mechanism to measure wind pressure and induct wind.
• Apparatus with 12 types of electricity.
• Energy generator.
• Screening device.
• Compass.
• Solar power attractor.
• Exhaust and braking systems.
• Heating device.

Materials and Metallurgy

Ancient Indians were acquainted with various metals and chemicals, including mercury, copper, bronze, gold, silver, iron, zinc, lead, salt, brass, and nickel. Evidence of advanced metallurgy includes gold and silver jewelry from the first millennium BC, iron manufactured before the 3rd Century BC, and the rustless iron pillar of Chandraketu.

Loss of Knowledge and Archaeological Evidence

• The scientific knowledge was held by an elite few and passed down orally, leading to its gradual loss over time.
• Devastating wars and foreign invasions (starting from the 2nd Century AD) destroyed universities, libraries, and heritage sites, contributing to the loss of knowledge.
• The Mahabharata speaks of colossal destruction caused by powerful weapons, comparable to modern thermo-nuclear war.
• While no significant archaeological evidence of flying machines has been found in India, Egypt has a model aircraft from a tomb near Sakkara, estimated to be older than the 3rd Century BC.

Modern Implications

The article suggests that modern space technology and aviation could benefit from scientifically exploring the resources within Sanskrit texts on flying machines and the use of liquid fuel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for the reality of advanced ancient technology, particularly in the realm of aviation, within ancient India. The editorial stance is one of promoting the study of ancient astronaut theories and encouraging a re-evaluation of history to include these forgotten aspects of human civilization. The magazine highlights the work of authors like Erich von Daniken and promotes upcoming events and publications related to the ancient astronaut field, suggesting a belief in the extraterrestrial or highly advanced ancient origins of certain technologies and knowledge.

Other Articles and Features

Still More on the Riddle of the Stones (Richard Ray)

This section discusses the mysterious stone balls found in Costa Rica, ranging from a few inches to six feet in diameter. Richard Ray, an adventurer and explorer, has studied these sites in North and Central America. Native explanations suggest the balls were made by "the Ancient Ones" using a formula for "melting" stone. Two theories exist: one group believes they were "cast" in a mold, with broken examples showing river pebbles inside a concrete-like material; another suggests they were formed by repeatedly "dipping" a stone into this material. The purpose of the balls is debated, with theories suggesting they marked cultural centers or cemeteries.

Periodically, Suggestions Appear in Ancient Skies

This piece discusses the idea of a concerted scientific effort to study the ancient astronaut question, similar to the International Geophysical Year (IGY). It notes that such efforts are often difficult to realize due to funding and the need for professional scientists to be paid. The article suggests that the ancient astronaut field will continue to be advanced through individual investigations and the exchange of ideas via the Ancient Astronaut Society's publications and conferences. It also proposes the establishment of Scientific Investigative Committees.

Coming Events

Announcements for the next World Conference of the Ancient Astronaut Society in Novi Vinodolski, Yugoslavia (September 9-13, 1987), and an "Around the World Member Expedition" departing Chicago on August 15, 1987, which will travel through Asia and potentially India before attending the conference.

Mankind: Citizen of the Galaxy by Kenneth C. Mc Culloch

A review of a privately published book by Kenneth C. Mc Culloch, who has compiled and listed approximately 1,000 books, articles, and periodicals related to ancient astronauts, mysteries, UFOs, and space travel. The book is described as an excellent reference work and a comprehensive book review of the principal works in these fields. Mc Culloch, an astronomer, has worked as a meteorological observer and visited archaeological sites in South America and Mexico.