Flying machines are generally called Vimanas in the Vedic literature of India. Vimana is a Sanskrit word with many meanings ranging from mythological flying machines to palace or temple. According to Indian mythology Vimana is a chariot or car of the devas or gods, capable of traveling through the air. Vimana flew with the speed of the wind.
There were different types of Vimanas like some vimanas were saucer shaped and some like cigar shaped airships or long cylinders. The ancient Indian people wrote complete flight manuals (in Sanskrit) on the control of the various types of Vimanas, however some of them have been translated into English.
In 1875, Maharishi Bharadvaja, wrote the Vaimanika Sastra, which consists of information and operation of Vimanas such as precaution for long flights, steering, switching the drive from free energy to solar energy (anti-gravity), and also protection from lightening and storm. He also mentions the 16 materials and 31 essential parts required for the construction of Viamanas. According to the writer, Vimanas were kept in a Vimana Griha and were propelled by some sort of mercury compound or by yellowish-white liquid.
According to the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, Vimana was propelled at an immense speed on a powerful wind produced by some sort of mercury compound.
Ramayana
Pushpak Vimana was the first flying machine in Indian mythology. Pushpaka Vimana was originally created by the God of wealth Vishwakarma for Kubera, but was later stolen along with Lanka by the demon king Ravana, his half-brother. It was basically a chariot or car that could fly in the air for long distances. It signifies that people might have attempted to design airborne vehicles and were curious about flight even in ancient times.
Mahabharata
In Mahabharata, Asura Maya, king of Asura (Daitya and Rakshasa), had a Vimana measuring 12 cubits (It is the first recorded unit of length) in circumference with blazing missiles and four strong wheels.
Vedas
According to Vedas, the god Indra, the Sun and several vedic divinities are using flying chariots or cars pulled by the animals.
