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CHAPTER – 6
THE PILOT
Vymanika Shastra projects the pilot as a special craftsman whose
training and qualitative requirements are specific. He is referred
to as ‘Rhahasyagnodhikari’, implying that he is the
authorized
custodian of the secrets of the Vimana and its systems. The
qualitative requirements of training and skills mentioned in the
work have strikingly analogous to those prescribed for modern combat
pilots.
The features of the vimana are referred to as secrets, possibly used
in a generic sense. The correct interpretation should be that the
pilot is the skilled operator who alone is entitled for the full
knowledge of the features provided on the vimana. Thirty-two such
secrets or features have been mentioned. Very high levels of
proficiency and learning have been prescribed for him. Specific
reference to the structural knowledge of the vimana, flying skills
including combat maneuvers and aerobatics are noticed. Vymanika
shastra quotes the work “Rahasya lahari” and other work by
Lallacharya and others.
Special observations:
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Stringent training and operational standards stipulated are in
consonance with similar standards prescribed for modern aviators.
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It is to be noted that spectacular feats performed by the pilot are
included in his skill expectations. Evidently combat maneuvers are
being talked about at the time of verbal narration of the text
{before 1918 AD}, when the contemporary military aviation
{corresponding to the end of I-world war} was yet to conceive
aerobatics and combat maneuvers.
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The pilot talked about in the text is a full-fledged combat pilot
capable of engagement in military roles. ‘Rahasya lahari’ and other
works by Lallacharya are quoted in this context.
While this work talks of the pilot as a master aviator, Vedas, Epics
and Samarangana suthradhara of Bhoja Raja have looked at him in an
identical manner. ‘Arthashastra’ of Kautilya (3rd century BC),
essentially dealing with political economics, also refers to the
pilot as ‘Saubhika’, a term derived from Soubha Vimana featuring at
several occasions in Mahabharata and Bhagawata. The pilot is also
referred to, more appropriately, as ‘Aakaasha Yodhah’, a warrior in
the sky. He is even called a ’ fighter in the sky’. Mahabharata
stipulates at least ten types of aerobatic movements for combatants.
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