Essay name: Archaeology and the Mahabharata (Study)
Author:
Gouri Lad
Affiliation: Deccan College Post Graduate And Research Institute / Department of AIHC and Archaeology
This study examines the Mahabharata from an archaeological perspective. The Maha-Bbharata is an ancient Indian epic written in Sanskrit—it represents a vast literary work with immense cultural and historical significance. This essay aims to use archaeology to verify and contextualize the Mahabharata's material aspects.
Chapter 10 - Utensils in the Mahabharata
12 (of 20)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
Download the PDF file of the original publication
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notice is a reference to an expedition led by Yudhisthira
to the foot of a mountain, where a particular spot was
known for a treasure-trove, buried underground by a king
named Marut (XIV.64.11-20). After propitiating Lord
Siva, whose gaṇas were believed to be gaurding the
treasure, the area was throughly dug, resulting in the
find of three million vessels of all types and shapes,
which were sealed in a huge chest. Yudhisthira had to
press into action sixty thousand camels, double the number
of horses, one thousand elephants, carts, chariots and
coolies to carry the load to Hastinapura. The treassure-
trove was more than ample to meet the needs of a grand
Asvamedha sacrifice.
Unfortunately the Mbh does not
indicate the exact location of the spot.
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The important vessel types which are mentioned
frequently in the Mbh date back from the Vedic Period,
some going back even to the Rgveda (refer the chart).
The exceptions bhanda, bhajana and ghata, the
Mbh has in common with Pali literature. A few other types
too appear concurrently in Pali literature. That they are
new to the Mbh is evident from the fact they are mentioned
hardly once or twice. These types are the golden pithara,
