Ancient Steel Archery Bows

Creation of the Steel Archery Bow

Creating a real and workable bow proved quite a feat for many past civilizations. The challenge increased when the use of steel became a priority. With limited tools, designing a bow with steel was as difficult as it sounds. The first steel bow was said to be created by the Indians. And although it wasn’t as effective as bows to come, it was indeed a success.

When talking of the country India, well-developed and efficient armies is not the first thing that is mentioned. But in and around 270 BCE, this was indeed the case. Their armies were large and provided for. Sophisticated armories held their military uniforms & weaponry. India is known for their inventive weapons, but was even more driven in the time of 270 BCE. Weapons made almost of all metal were not uncommon for India and with their advanced army it’s no wonder that they first developed a steel bow. Versed in steel weaponry, the Indians realized that a steel bow could be used at a moments notice and would store well for lengths of time.

The period that most readily used the steel bow was that of the Mughal. The Mughal period began around 1526 AD. The Shah Jehan period around 1650 AD saw the end of the composite bow. But full use and acceptance of the steel bow was not integrated until the Mughal period.

Common use of the steel bow may have occurred during the Mughal period, but mention of steel as bow material can be found much – much earlier. The ancient Indian work, Visnudharmottara, mentions the use of bamboo, horn and metal as bow material. In the Agnipurana the use of “steel” is specifically mentioned. It states that a steel bow “must have a small grip,” it also explains how “the middle portion is said to resemble the eyebrow of a lady.” Further explaining of how a bow should be made include “inlaid with gold.” Further evidence of the steel bow’s popularity includes Mughal paintings that depict war scenes with archers riding horseback while using steel bows.

All of the evidence points to the Indians first discovering and developing the steel bow. But, it is always hard to put a definite root to discovery. Records indicate that Persian craftsmen who worked at the Mughal court used a steel bow during regular exercises. The steel bow in use by the Persians was a straight steel bow. Obviously, the Persian’s were introduced to the steel bow, but there is no evidence of the Persians furthering its development.

Each new development of the bow is a moderate change to the model before. Same is seen in the case of the steel bow. Since its development is based on the composite bow, many similarities between the two exist. But, the steel bow did not lack in its own unique style. Right off, one notices that the steel bow looks like a composite bow that “opens out” to a degree. The re-curvature of the steel bow is not nearly as severe as that of the composite. Also, developers of the steel bow took advantage of its properties and created a design which could not be duplicated with horn, wood or sinew.