________________
(190) : Nandanavana
main images were made with their associated guardian deities. For larger images these measurements should be taken as ratios between different parts. (4) Aeronautics
Even the early Jaina texts describe about the planes flying in air. They have circular, triangular and quadrangular shapes, they may also have squared, svastika, conch, lotus, swan and eagle shapes. They may have different colours. They can be used for travel and for temporary residence also. There may be some planes moving in water also. Their sizes are variable but the general length to breadth ratio is approximately 4:15. The airport should have a size 11 times the length of the planes. Bharadvaja has referred two Sanskrit texts 'Agastya-samhita' and 'Yantra-sarvasva' containing a section on aeronautics. This section has 8 chapters, 100 sub-chapters and 500 aphorisms or verses. The details of its contents can be found in the introduction of Jaina Sāhitya kā Brhad Itihāsa, Vol. 5 (PVRI, Varanasi, 1969, Hindi) which have not been studied properly. The technical Sanskrit scholars should come forward in this matter. (5) Other Technical Sciences
There is a quite a number of technologies mentioned in Jaina canons. Upāsakadašā gives details of making at least ten kinds of ceramic wares through the potter's wheel after kneading the soils, mixing the knead with cow dung and ashes and baking them in open kilns". Jñātādharmakathā” mentions the full process of agriculture of paddy from sowing to reaping and storing through the narrative of Rohini. D.C. Jain may be referred on manifold agricultural or other details in scriptures. Kundakunda (21 century, A.D.) mentions five types of fabrics made from silk-fibres, cotton fibres, woollen fibbers (of camel, goat and sheep etc.), tree barks and leather (of lion, leopard, elephant and deer etc.). The mordanting of fabrics by natural colours was also a common technology". Ink was also produced from naturally coloured products. Kundakunda also mentions metallurgy of gold and some other metals 20. The technology of fireworks, oil extraction and lac production was also known, as they are included in 15 professions by Asādhara of 136h century 21.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
