For
centuries, the history of India and in particular Hindu culture has
been presented in the most distorted and falsified fashion. Most
recently, Western historians and Indian historians influenced by the
West, have constantly portrayed it in an absolutely erroneous manner.
The most significant example of this type is the aberrant analysis has
been applied to the greatest and most profound Hindu literature of all
time, namely the Vedas.
For
Hindus, the Vedas are of completely divine origin. We believe that the
Vedas are words of divine wisdom from the eternal source of Supreme
Consciousness itself. Over many centuries, men of supremely exalted
wisdom called “Rishis” compiled these eternal spiritual and natural laws
into several volumes, which are called “Vedas”. However, according to
self styled analysts like Max Mueller and thousands of Western as well
as pseudo secular Indian historians, the Vedas are nothing but a bunch
of ritualistic hymns connected with nothing more spiritual than charms
and incantations. These people would have us believe that the profound
heights of spiritual philosophy that are expressed in the Vedas, are
nothing short of tribal superstitions upheld by a primitive people.
Of
all the Vedas, none has been more maligned than the Atharva Veda. Many
historians have even gone on to say that it is nothing but “a manual of
black and white magic”. Such exceptionally ignorant statements make it
clear that sacred Hindu literature is being treated in the most
demeaning and prejudiced way. Take for example such statements as “Above
all the principal aim of the Atharva Veda is to appease the demons, to
bless friends and to curse” by V.M. Apte, an Indian writer of modern
times, or ” There are then numerous verses in the Atharveda, which
according to their character and often also in their contents, differ
just as little from the magic formulas of American Indian medicine-men
and Tarter Shamans..” by Winternitz. These type of views clearly
demonstrate the prejudices and biased approach that Western-educated
historians bring to their analysis. Not only that, but it also shows
that their views are conditioned by Western outlooks and ideals, bundled
with the misgivings that the Christian viewpoint displays in dealing
with anything mystical and alien to their own perception of “spiritual
strictures of morality”
While reading the Vedas, one must keep certain facts in mind:
The
Vedas are NOT historical accounts. They are not biographies of great
kings and the battles they fought with demons, nor are they mythical
legends about emperors and intrigues that existed long ago.
The
Vedas date MUCH further back than any Indus Valley Civilization. Long
before the Harappans existed, these spiritual, scientific and natural
laws had been collected by numerous brilliant Rishis and compiled into
several unified compositions, all of which were given the general
descriptive label of “Vedas”.
The
Vedas ARE compilations of the eternal laws governing human existence.
Moreover each of the four Vedas was a treatise on particular subjects,
specific only to itself. The word “Veda” itself means “sacred or pure
knowledge” , having come from the root “Vid” meaning “to know”.
Of these, the Atharvaveda consisted of nine branches or sakhas, according to sage Patanjali. These were:
1) Paippalada
2) Tauda
3) Munda
4) Saunakiya
5) Jajala
6) Jalada
7) Brahmaveda
8) Devadarsa
9) Charanavaidya
Of
these nine, we know of only two, namely Saunaka and Paippalada
branches. Even in this incomplete form, the Atharvaveda was the source
of development for such immense philosophical systems as Tantra and
practical systems like Ayurveda. Often, Hindu scriptures have been
criticised, as being too vague and full of profoundly difficult
philosophical flights and abstract concepts, that are impossible for the
common reader to grasp. In fact, the Atharvaveda is a prime example of
how the majority of Hindu scriptures DO delve into practical and
material matters that affect everyday human life. The Vedas are a wealth
of information, not only about philosophical and spiritual ideals, but
also invaluable reference manuals that clearly explain the laws
governing scientific phenomenon, practical applications, and the methods
for utilization of awesome natural resources. Scientists,
mathematicians, manufacturers, computer programmers and many others can
greatly benefit from this vast repertoire of information and knowledge.
Although
most people today concentrate on significant aspects of the Atharvaveda
such as medicinal plants and healing practices, many other fascinating
subjects such as marriage rites, the healing properties of water, atomic
and solar energy, electricity, and the states of the Supreme
Consciousness are also discussed. (I will expound more on these subjects
in future articles)
One
of the most exciting topics covered in the Atharvaveda is electricity
and specifically, the detailed description of valuable applications that
harness and utilize this immense source of energy. Some of the
applications described, include important specifications for a control
system that harnesses the intense power of electricity for use as a
deadly weapon, utilization of hydroelectric power for manufacturing and
the fission properties of electricity. These are only some of these
amazing instances that clearly demonstrate how the most advanced
scientific laws and phenomenons are described in the Atharvaveda.
It
will be fully apparent from the following verses that Electrical Energy
and its properties were fully understood by Vedic sages. It was
definitely used in everyday technological applications as much (if not
more), as it is for us today. It is also clear that Vedic scientists
knew far more about the properties of electricity than us. It was not
till very recently, that modern day scientists discovered and began
research on the potential usage of electrical energy in military science
and related areas.
What
these verses clearly demonstrate to us is the fact that Vedic Society
was at an extremely advanced state of technological advancement and
fully utilized Electricity in innumerable productive applications
I
have followed a standard format to make identification of the verses
easy. All of the verses have been taken from Kanda (Book) XX of the
Atharvaveda translated by Devi Chand. The Sanskrit verses are
highlighted in maroon where as their translations are highlighted in
Blue. Each verse can be referenced directly in the order of Chapter
(Anuvaka), Hymn (Sukta) and Verse number.
NON-MILITARY APPLICATIONS OF ELECTRICITY:
According
to the descriptions found in Atharvaveda, electrical energy can be
utilized in many useful applications such as creation of powerful
engines, illumination, agricultural machinery, hydroelectric power
plants, manufacturing plants, biomedical engineering, extraction of
medicines, etc. and thus serve to greatly enhance the daily life of
people.
Chapter 1: Hymn VII
Verse 2: Nav Yo Navati Puro bibhed bahvotjasaaAhi Cha vritrahaavadheet
Electricity
, which breaks, by the energy of its arms the 99 cities, destroys the
cloud, which covers the rays of the sun, the source of all energy and
power.
This
initial description describes the inherent properties of of electrical
energy. Here the “arms of electricity” refers to positive and negative
currents. The 99 cities refers to the 99 elements, as known to modern
day scientists. In Vedic terminology, these essential elements were
known as “Bhogas”.
Verse 3: Sa na Indrah Shivah sakhashwavad gomadvavama Urudhaarev dohate
That
very electric power may be our peaceful friend, providing us with the
horse-power to drive our machines, light to light up our houses, and
power to produce grains in the fields. Let it bring on prosperity and
well-being for us by flowing into numerous currents.
These
verses clearly refer to the various useful applications of electricity.
The mention of horse powered driving machines is a direct reference to
electronically powered vehicles like automobiles, aircraft, etc. In our
times, even prototypes of electric cars are a very recent development.
In the present era, Electric car prototypes were created due to the
dawning realization that gasoline fuel is a perishable resource as well
as polluting to the environment. It looks like thousands of years ago,
our Rishis were already aware of these dangers and used electric engines
in their vehicles, as one of their primary modes of transport as well
as for motors, etc. for other types of machinery. This verse also
clearly mentions that electricity was used to light up buildings, just
as we do today. In addition there is a reference to electrically powered
agricultural machines, which helped in the manufacture and processing
of crops from the fields.
Verse 4: Indra Kratuvidang sutang somang harya purushtutPiba vrishaswa taatripim
Let
electricity, so highly spoken of by many learned people, help extract
the essence of medicines, thus produced by those, who are well-versed in
manufacturing things. Let it keep safe and shower, on us the rain,
satisfying all.
In
modern times, we have discovered that certain electronic devices such
as centrifuges, deep refrigeration, etc. are extremely helpful in
deriving medicinal extracts. Apparently our ancient scientists were well
aware of these methods and perhaps even more advanced than us in their
knowledge. The last sentence refers reverentially to the role of
electricity, which in the form of lightning is instrumental in creating
life giving rain for the entire planet. The picture that emerges from
these verses is that of an extremely advanced culture, that utilized
superlative technology and yet maintained an enormous respect and
reverence for the ecosystem and the natural environment. The proponents
of Vedic culture saw spirituality everywhere, and held sacred the power
of all divine forces, from water, to electricity. Not only this, but
they had analysed the properties and laws of all these natural energies
and thus comprehended perfectly the best way to utilize them.
Chapter 3 :Hymn XXXI
Verse
1: Taa Vajrinam Mandinam Stomyam mad indram rathe vahato haryataa
hareePurunyasmay savanaani haryata indraaya somaa harayo dadhanwire
Those
two speedily moving forces of attraction and repulsion propel the
electric current, powerful like the thunderbolt, pleasant and
praiseworthy, in this pleasant plane or car. Manifold are the generating
powers for the refulgent electricity borne by speedy moving Somas –
various kinds of liquid fuels.
Verse
2: Arang Kaamaay Haryo dadhanwire sthiraay hinvanharayo Haree
turaArvadbhiyor Haribhijorshameeyate so asya kaamam harivantamaanashe
The
above mentioned speedy forces of two kinds set in motion strong
currents, capable of maintaining steady progress in the attainment of
one’s objective in plenty. Whatever complex is attained by these fast
moving horsepowers, is enough to achieve the beautiful objective of his,
the manufacturer.
Here
the principles of electromagnetic force discussed are being used to
generate motion. In addition, the reference to a liquid fuel propellant,
informs us that a combination of high-speed and intense electrical
power was used to produce a number of favourable results like
exceptionally fast vehicular modes of transportation, as well as
efficient manufacturing processes. For example, extremely fast
centrifugal force is used to separate genetic materials in Biomedical
labs today. The combination of speed and power is certainly desirable to
increase the efficiency of manufacturing plants.
Chapter 2: Hymn XV
Verse
2: Adha te vishwamanu haasadishtaya aapo nimneva savanaa
havishmatahYatparvate na samasheeta haryata indrasya vajrah shnathita
hiranyayah
Just
as all productive works of the manufacturer depend upon waters flowing
down with speed, so do all the desired objects of him depend upon you
(Electricity), as its powerful striking force cannot be obstructed by
any cloud, or mountain in the way. It smashes all impediments, with its
radiant energy.
This
verse acknowledges the immense power of electricity and proves the
Vedic community’s understanding of its intensity. Electricity does have
the power of striking through any element. The portion about productive
works depending on waters flowing with speed is an obvious reference to
harnessing hydroelectric power. It is obvious from this verse that Vedic
society was well aware of methods that harnessed the power of
electricity through systems like hydroelectric power plants. Once
harnessed, they incorporated the force to implement manufacturing
concerns and power machinery.
Verse
3: Asmay Bheemaaya namasaa samadhwara usho na shubhra aa bharaa
paneeyaseYasya dhaam shravase naamendriyam jyotirkaari harito naayase
O
well-versed engineer make use of this terrible electric power fit to be
utilized for useful purposes by controlling it, for non-violent,
brilliant light like the dawn. It has the potentiality to help hearing,
control energy and spread light in all quarters.
This
confirms the fact that electricity was a topic that was researched and
explored in great detail. Skilled electrical engineers used to devise
specific utilities and controls for electric power. Illumination was
certainly one of its widely used applications. From the last line, we
can also glean the information that electronic devices were used as
hearing aids and sound magnifiers. Sophisticated systems for controlling
electricity and measuring electricity were in place, and electronic
panels that aided in controlling other forms of energy were also used.
MILITARY USAGE OF ELECTRICITY:
Now
let’s turn to the truly amazing descriptions of electricity being
utilized as a weapon in military combat. Up until very recently, modern
day scientists were not even aware of this potentially devastating
aspect of electricity being utilized as a weapon. It is only in the past
decade or so, that scientific research has begun concentrating on the
potential use of Electricity as a deadly weapon. Electrical bombs can be
utilised to destroy all sorts of vital equipment and inflict massive
damage. Topics like the EMP effect and the consequent possibilities of
using electrical weapons, were rudimentary information to Vedic people,
wheras we have barely begun our explorations on this topic.
The
ElectroMagnetic Pulse (EMP) effect was first observed during the early
testing of high altitude airburst nuclear weapons. The effect is
characterised by the production of a very short (hundreds of
nanoseconds) but intense electromagnetic pulse, which propagates away
from its source with ever diminishing intensity, governed by the theory
of electromagnetism. The ElectroMagnetic Pulse is in effect an
electromagnetic shock wave.
This
pulse of energy produces a powerful electromagnetic field, particularly
within the vicinity of the weapon burst. The field can be sufficiently
strong to produce short lived transient voltages of thousands of Volts
(ie kiloVolts) on exposed electrical conductors, such as wires, or
conductive tracks on printed circuit boards, where exposed.
It
is this aspect of the EMP effect which is of tremendous military
significance, as it can result in irreversible damage to a wide range of
electrical and electronic equipment, particularly computers and radio
or radar receivers. Subject to the electromagnetic hardness of the
electronics, a measure of the equipment’s resilience to this effect, and
the intensity of the field produced by the weapon, the equipment can be
irreversibly damaged or in effect destroyed. The damage inflicted would
be the same as that of striking the equipment with huge bolts of
lightning.
Computers
used in data processing systems, communications systems, displays,
industrial control applications, including road and rail signalling, and
those embedded in military equipment, such as signal processors,
electronic flight controls and digital engine control systems, are
especially vulnerable to the EMP effect.
What
amazes one is the fact that Vedic Rishis clearly KNEW about the EMP
effect and have composed vivid descriptions of the usage of electric
weapons as the verses below will demonstrate:
Chapter 2: Hymn XV
Verse
6: Twam tamindra parvatam mahaamurum vajrena
vajrinparvshashchakartithaAvaasrijo nivritaah satarvaa apah satraa
vishwam dadhishe kevalam sahah
Just
as the thundering electricity reduces the vast cloud to nothing by its
thunderbolt, so do you, O King, equipped with piercing weapons like the
thunderbolt, smash into pieces the vast armies of the enemy, consisting
of various units, by your striking power like the thunderbolt. Just as
the waters of the cloud released by the electricity, fall down and flow
over the earth, similarly the well-equipped armies of the enemy; being
subdued by the might of the king are duly regulated by him. Truly do you
alone, O King, hold all the power to subdue the foes.
The
inference is quite obviously to weapons utilizing electricity.
“Piercing weapons like the thunderbolt” is a clear pointer to surges of
exceedingly high voltage. The lethal electric weapons are used to
counter various units of the army. This is another clue, for as
discussed above, the EMP effect can be used to advantage for a number of
targets ranging from computers, to communication systems. Apparently
electricity was employed as one of the primary weapons in military
combat during the Vedic era.
Chapter 4: Hymn XXXVIII
Verse 5: Indra Idhyorah sacha sangmishal aa vachoyujaIndro vajri Hiranyah
Electricity
is well mixed up with Prana and Apana, the 2 horsepowers, yoked to
power of speech. Electric power has the striking power of a deadly
weapon and is full of brilliance.
Here
we find it stated starkly that electricity has the striking power of a
deadly weapon. There can be no greater proof of the deployment of
electrical weaponry during the Vedic era. An interesting suggestion is
also made in the first line of this verse, that electrical energy is
also present in the form of Prana and Apana, within the human body.
“Prana” means “breath ” according to Tantra Yoga, wheras “Apana” is the
Prana that exists in the area below the navel. According to Tantric
thought Prana is charged with negative ions while Apana is charged with
positive ions. When Prana is forced to enter through the central canal
(Sushuma or Brahma Nadi) in the spinal column, the result is fusion of
the negative and positive ions. This fusion generates an immense amount
of energy, which awakens the dormant energy called Kundalini that lies
at the base of the spine. Once Kundalini or the vital life force is
awakened, it destroys the ignorance of the mind and results in
enlightenment.
We
know now of course, that the cerebrospinal system is a great generator
of electrical energy and has a fantastic network of nerves that serve as
connectors. The cerebrum as it is called keeps on providing electrical
energy. Through fine nerves, this energy is constantly supplied to the
organism, providing life force. Thus we can see how these and other type
of systems described in the Atharvaveda have a purely scientific basis.
Chapter 3: Hymn XXX
Verse
1: Pra te mahe vidathe shansisham hari pra te vanve vanusho haryatam
madamDhritam na yo haribhishcharu sechat aa tva vishantu harivparsang
girah
O
electricity, I fully praise thy two forces of protection and
destruction in this great universe, which is a great sacrificial place
or battlefield of life. I highly cherish your beautiful exhilaration,
destroying the evil forces of the enemy. You shower various forms of
fortunes through your blessing powers of speedy action, like waters from
the clouds. Let all praises find their abode in you of charming
splendor.
Here
again, we find the mention of the dual nature of electrical energy. It
can be destructive as in the EMP effect, and it can be protective as in
the cerebrospinal system.
Verse
3: So asya vajro harito ya aayso harinirkaamo harira gabhastyohDhumni
sushipro harimanyusayaka indre ni roopa harita mimikshire
Here
is the blue-green colored thunderbolt of iron of the king. There is
also the beautiful horse of iron of high speed. Here is also the
horsepower of the rays of electricity. There is also the shining arrow,
capable of destroying the pride of the enemy and having a very high
speed. In short many kinds of weapons have been made through electric
power for the king.
These
verses appear to be describing different sorts of electrical weapons.
The “beautiful horse of iron of high speed” apparently refers to some
type of metallic car/aircraft which can reach extremely high speeds. The
horsepower for the engine for a craft or automobile of this sort was
provided by electricity. The “shining arrow” can mean an exceptionally
powerful ballistic missile loaded with an electric warhead. The missile
was superfast and probably covered vast distances, it was apparently one
of the main weapons that could be used to target the central command
and control center of the enemy. Here we find a reference telling us
that many advanced weapons utilizing electricity had been deployed in
this era.
Verse
4: Divi na keturadhi dhaayi haryato vivayachadvajro harito na
ranghayaTudadahi harishipro ya aayasah sahastrashokaa abhavadharibharah
Like
a radiant spot, it is well placed in the heavens, then with a high
speed, the terribly destructive missile, made of iron, possessing speed
of electric power, crushing the serpent natured enemy, becomes lit up
with thousands of lights and loaded with destructive ray of various
kinds.
This
makes the previous verse even more apparent. The missile being
described seems to generate immense power and would be exceptionally
destructive. It is possible that the electric weapons used by Vedic
society may have been equivalent in destructive power to nuclear
weapons, or perhaps even more lethal. They may also have been used for
preliminary strikes before the actual use of nuclear weapons. A
conventional electronic combat campaign, or intensive electronic combat
operations, would initially concentrate on saturating the opponent’s
electronic defences, denying information and inflicting maximum
attrition upon electronic assets. The massed application of
electromagnetic bombs in the opening phase of an electronic battle would
allow much faster attainment of command as it would destroy electronic
assets at a much faster rate than possible with conventional means.
After this phase, it would be child’s play to completely destroy the
enemy.
Chapter 3: Hymn:XXI
Verse
7: Yudha yudhmup ghedeshi dhrishnuya pura puram samidam hansyojasaNamya
yadindra sakhya paraavati nibrahyo namuchi naam maayinam
O
mighty King, you can easily get at the striking power of the enemy by
your overwhelming striking force. Being well-entrenched in your
sheltered place of defense, you can thoroughly break the defenses of the
enemy to smithereens. Completely crush the deceitful enemy, unfit to be
left alive, through your faithful ally, although stationed at a
distance.
This
particular reference is apparently to a remotely controlled electronic
weapon system. This verse directly points to unleashing a tremendously
high voltage surge that can blast into the defensive electrical
equipment belonging to the enemy. The last sentence describes remote
initiation of the bombing sequence, while the controller is stationed at
a safe distance.
Verse
8: Tvam karnyajmut parnayam vadhistejisthayaatithigvasya vartaniTvam
shata vaddagridasyaabhintpuronaanudah parishuta rijishvana
O
mighty electricity, you kill the violent enemy, equipped with speedy
means of communication like cars or airships, a hindrance in the way of
people who are worthy of respect, cows or land by your consuming and
splendorous power. You shatter the 100 forts of the adversary who
obstructs your communications or breaks your regulations and does not
pay tribute to you established by straightforward negotiations.
In
the case of electricity, 100 forts refers to 100 elements. It breaks
all these through the power of fission, overcoming all resistances and
obstructions in the way. Any trained electrical engineer must have
complete knowledge of the complex laws and limitations governing
electrical energy. There is an evident respect for electricity
demonstrated here, for it is an awesome power indeed. Transport
infrastructure can also be destroyed with the use of electromagnetic
bombs. Railway and road signalling systems, where automated, are most
vulnerable to electromagnetic attack on their control centres.
Significantly, most modern automobiles and trucks use electronic
ignition systems which are known to be vulnerable to electromagnetic
weapons effects.
Modern
land warfare doctrine emphasises mobility, and manoeuvre warfare
methods are typical for contemporary land warfare. Coordination and
control are essential to the successful conduct of manoeuvre operations,
and this provides another opportunity to apply electromagnetic weapons.
Communications and command sites are key elements in the structure of
such a land army, and these have concentrated communications and
computer equipment. Therefore if the enemy is attacked with
electromagnetic weapons, the entire command and control of land
operations would be completely disrupted. Employing tactics like
launching an initial attack with electromagnetic weapons would create a
maximum of confusion, and if followed by an all out attack with
conventional weapons would completely obliterate the enemy.
Verse
9: Tvametam janrajyo dwidarshaabandhuna sushrvasopajagmushahPashisht
sahastra navati nava shruto ni chakrena rathya dushpadavrinak
O
electricity, you can by your circular motion like the wheel of a
chariot, which is too powerful to be checked, well keep under control
all these 20 basic elements, 6099 organic and inorganic bodies, by a
single transmitter of high quality, with no other force to help it.
In
technological terms, coupling is the means to create an electric
connection of two electric circuits by having a part common to both. One
of the mechanisms, which can be exploited to improve coupling is the
polarization of an electric weapon’s emission. Polarization simply means
orienting the emission in a particular direction. If we assume that the
orientations of possible coupling apertures and resonances in the
target set are random in relation to the weapon’s antenna orientation, a
linearly polarized emission would only exploit half of the
opportunities available. A circularly polarized emission would exploit
all coupling opportunities. A single transmitter of superior quality can
control the entire emission.
Verse
10: Tvamaavitha sushravasam tavotibhistava traambhirindra
tuvrayaanamTvamasmay kutsamatithigvamaayum mahe raagye yoone
arndhanaayah
O
electricity, you keep in safety this good listening set, by your means
of safety and protect the commander, with speedy mobile forces by your
strong means of defense. You control the sharp weapons, equipped with
the striking power of limitless time and speed for this great, youthful
king.
Other
electronic devices and electrical equipment would also be destroyed by
the EMP effect. Telecommunications equipment can be highly vulnerable,
due to the presence of lengthy copper cables between devices. Receivers
of all varieties are particularly sensitive to EMP, as highly sensitive
miniature high frequency transistors and diodes in such equipment are
easily destroyed by exposure to high voltage electrical transients.
Therefore radar and electronic warfare equipment, satellite, microwave,
UHF, VHF, HF and low band communications equipment and television
equipment would all be destroyed by the EMP effect. This verse
apparently refers to a defense mechanism created with the aid of
electricity, which protects both the commander as well his entire system
of wireless communications. It may be referring to some sort of shield
which makes things unsusceptible to the emission. The advanced and
deadly missiles of unlimited speed are controlled by electronic control
panels.
Chapter 4: Hymn XXXVII
Verse 4: Tvam nibhinirmano devavitao bhooreeni vritraa haryashava hansiTvam ni dasyum chumuri dhuni chasvaapyo dabhitaye suhantu
O
electrical currents of high voltage, safely carried by electric wires,
you kill many enemies in the war, waged by learned persons or through
the help of natural forces. To keep all the evil forces under control,
you, being well-equipped with good means of destruction completely lay
down to lasting sleep (death) the evil forces that rob and harass the
general public.
This verse is a simple testament to the intense power and utterly destructive force of electrical weapons.
CONCLUSION:
There
are many more such references to electrical energy in the Atharvaveda,
however in the interests of keeping this article to a reasonable length,
I have not reproduced every one of them. The discovery of such amazing
truths in the Vedas, clearly undermines the very foundation of our smug
assertions that Civilization and scientific advancement proceed forward
in a linear fashion. It is high time for us to thoroughly analyse and
learn from the invaluable resources that our forefathers have left us in
the form of the divine Vedas and other profound Hindu literature.
