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鈥攊t 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
4 (of 20)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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mentioned only once (XV.64.11).
12 Kataha or Kataha, was a caldron of semi-
spheroidal shape with handles on both sides. Ka峁璦has
of gold were specially made for sacrificial ritual
(XIV.8.74, 29.11).
13 Kathina was an earthen vessel for cooking
or a strap or a pole for carrying burdens (Panini IV.
4.72). It was carried by the Pandavas when they went
on a pilgrimage (III.91.26) and by Satyavana and
Savitri to gather fruit picked in the forest (III.281.1).
14 Khaja was a churning stick, carried by Bhima
disguised as a cook (IV.7.1).
There is no other mention
of a khaja in the Epic.
15 Kudava was a measure of wood or iron, for
According
measuring saktu or barley grains (XIV.93.10).
to some it was a vessel, four fingers wide and as many
deep, and containing 12 handfuls of grain; according to
others it was a finger and a half deep and three fingers
each in length and breadth (Williams 1899:289):
16 Kumbha was a jar, pitcher, ewer, mainly for
carrying and storing water (III.2.24) but also for storing
other liquids such as liquor (III.25.3).
The larger ones were used for storing water in
places like the delivery-room of a pregnant woman e.g.
