Gunpowder: A Cruel Irony
Eshan Maitra
Though gunpowder was invented in ancient times inChina. But many centuries after it was actually put into use for making guns or firearms of sorts. Mainly massive firearm productions stated by the European, when the secrets fell into their hands in 1300s’. There were conflicts within that small continent as far the history goes. It is no wonder, they were very intrigued with this introduction. Gunpowder made wars even more devastating. But what did China do for over thousand years with this impressive invention? They should have developed post-modern gunpowder weapons by then, using the knowledge. Why did not they do it? Except all the tragic event caused by gunpowder, the story of its invention is more tragic.
History tells, Chinese people were very much familiar with gunpowder. Author Wei Boyangof Eastern Han Dynasty (In 142 AD) mentioned about the “fly and dance” of certain impressive black mixture in many of his writings. Actually his writings are the first evidence suggesting about the knowledge about gunpowder among Chinese people. Wei Boyang was also a renowned alchemist of his time. He was researching for a potion for Eternal Life. After all, watching lifeless dusts creating flames of Dragon could intrigue anyone in such ancient time.
Later, by 300 AD a scientist named Ge Hong of Jìn Dynasty compiled the complete data for the mixture of gunpowder. Around 700 AD, T’ang Dynasty emperors were very much fascinated by its use. During the 900’s magnificent fireworks were developed and huge shows were displayed. Chinese people nationwide started having firework festivals to light up the night sky with beautiful colors. They also believed, this kept the evil spirits away.
Chinese alchemists were well aware of gunpowder’s destructiveness. Many of their house even burned during the experiments. So, did want to tamper too much with the nature’s rage. At first, gunpowder was only impressive flammable powder. Understanding the combination furthermore, they were able to make it more potent. They also figured out,by containing the burning gases and the pressure it could create explosions as well. The way they created huge fireworks. Fireworks only has, small pathway at its bottom and plenty gunpowder stored in its head. When it is lit, the air pressure that builds up within pushes the fireworks forward and containing the power too. As the fire catches up the head container, boom! It bursts with beautiful colors in the sky!
China only felt the necessity of using gunpowder for military purpose to do defend themselves from invaders. At first they only used fire arrows and bamboo-flamethrowers. Especially against the terrifying Huns of neighboring Mongolia. Centuries later hurling bombs and hand cannons were developed, to strengthen the military to defend against the incoming threats. Huns soon after, adapted with the use of gunpowder on their own. Though they did not have that many intellectuals as China. But through their many invasions across the world introduced gunpowder into many regions. In 1254, the European ambassador to the Huns, William of Rubruck first brought gunpowder to Europe for weaponry research. It did not take Roman Empires get their hands onto it develop weapons of mass destruction. This was a great asset to them to spread colonies across the globe and enslave many West Africans.
Chinese people were very much fascinated with the wonder works of fireworks. The first reason for them to thrive on the knowledge of gunpowder. Gunpowder was for them a nature’s magic to them. Also, they understood its length and were able to tame its power.
That they also used to defend themselves only. But never wanted to harness devastating powers from it at first. Chinese alchemists wanted to create a potion for Eternal Life, hence they ended up creating the fuel for mass destruction for later centuries. Cruel irony!