Methods of Travel - Ancient and Modern

Till about the beginning of the nineteenth century, the world, as a whole, employed the same modes of travelling and transport that it had done when the Iliad was composed. But the discoveries of Watt and Stephenson acted as a wizard's wand in transforming not only the manner of travelling but every aspect of life. Travelling in the ancient world was not only difficult but very slow and costly. The consequence of this was that only a few persons who were well-to-do enjoyed the advantages of seeing distant countries and cities, while most people had to be content staying at home.

When people of means had to travel long distances in the past, the men generally rode on camels and horses and the womenfolk made use of bullock carts. The poor made pilgrimages to the different shrines in their country on foot. In India and such other eastern countries elephants with gaily caparisoned howdahs were available only to the members of the royal families and of the aristocracy or the very big landowners. The roads were infested with robbers and only those who went in large companies or caravans accompanied by a body of retainers could travel in comparative safety. But this feature had one advantage, and it was this: it inspired a feeling of comradeship among the various travelers and helped to knit them in ties of friendship and mutual trust. Besides, it enabled the travelers to enjoy a close appreciation of nature.

Travelling on the sea in the days of sailing ships was even more perilous. Storms and unscrupulous pirates were a constant source of danger. A voyage from England to Calcutta in the early part of the nineteenth century lasted almost four months and, if it could be accomplished within that time, was considered a successful one. If we call to mind the nine months and more that Vasco de Gama took to reach India from Lisbon, there was good reason for this view.

A little after the middle of the nineteenth century all this was changed. The introduction of the steam engine revolutionized long-distance travelling: a journey from Calcutta to Bombay that just a little before took at least six months began to be accomplished in as many days, and today it can be finished in much less time and with greater comfort. The railway train not only reduced distance but also made it possible for the poor and the middle classes to become acquainted with distant parts of their country. The ever increasing number of passengers carried both by railways and steamers bears witness to the readiness with which the people have availed themselves of this advantage. Today in most cities there are motor buses and taxis that ply for hire; these provide cheap, expeditious, and comfortable means of transport for short distances.

The application of electricity as motive energy has accelerated the speed of travel. The electric train acquired a speed which was unheard of in the days of steam. The aero plane that can cover thousands of kilometers in no time has revolutionized travel facilities. Today, if we can afford it, it is not impossible to have breakfast in Delhi, lunch in London, and dinner in New York, all in the course of a single day.

We rejoice at the great developments that have taken place in the manner of travelling during the last century. They have helped to make communication between distant peoples easier and to spread knowledge of one another's country and culture. Travelling has also helped to do away with prejudices which were, very often, the fruit of ignorance and superstition. All the same, we cannot say that we have made travelling completely safe. If in the past there were robbers and pirates, today we have terrorists, saboteurs, and hijackers. Also, with the increase of facilities in travel and of modes of transport, accidents are on the increase. Let us hope that the facilities available for travel today will further improve and the consequent shrinking of the world will make it really the one, as well as a safer, place to live.