Compass - होकायंत्र
An Indian compass from late 18th or early 19th century. When closed, it takes the shape of a Mango fruit.
Instead of a compass rose it has a Tortoise, mounted on a pin, which shows the direction.
Other than science the Compass played an important role in the religious life of Indians.
Many Hindu rituals need to be executed with specific directions clearly plotted and marked; while Muslims used it to determine the direction of Mecca, for their Namaaz.
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