Rathakara

Rathakāra or the Chariot maker is mentioned in several Hindu scriptures such as Rigveda, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda, Saṃhitas etc. There are various types of Rathakāras mentioned in the texts, their social status varying from that of a Brahmin to that of a fallen or degraded Śudra.
Ratha or the chariot occupied a very important position in Vedic civilization. Many hymns are found in the Vedas praising the Ratha and the creator of the Ratha or the Rathakāra, who occupied an important role in the sacrifices or even day today life.
Ṛgveda(10.85.20), Ṛgveda(3.53.19) consist of hymns praising and describing Rathas. Even various deities are compared with Rathas and the deities riding them are also praised e.g. Ṛgveda(6.61.13)
Rathakāra in the Ṛgveda and the Purāṇas
The Rathakāra mentioned in Ṛgveda (1.6.32) indicates high status, and is associated with the formulae of placing the holy sacrificial fire in the Yajñakuṇḍa. According...