L of L: Sci Fi????

I'm now about 1/3 of the way through the novel Lord of Light, and I noticed that there is an element of sci-fi creeping up in the novel. At the start of the tale, we are introduced to Gods, Goddesses, re-incarnation, Hindu beliefs, and I assumed that this would be more of a Fantasy book. However, these 'gods' seem to have much more knowledge about what we would know today as 'modern'. They are aware of electricity, diseases such as epilepsy, and other technologies. After Sam (our main character, who seems to be deity) battles for a temple where the Master's of Karma reside, the Author goes on to explain
"While the banks of sperm and ova, the growth tanks and the body lockers could not be transported, the transfer equipment itself was dismantled under the direction of Dr. Narada, and its components were loaded onto the horses of those who had fallen in the battle." (Zelazny 81)

I find it very strange. There's all this medical equipment (I assume it's for medical purposes anyway), none of which has been invented yet in the real world, and the mode of transportation is via. horseback. There were no cars, guns, tanks, or modern military equipment used to win/defend these possessions, only legions of horses, swords and spears. Roger Zelanzy seems to be writing with a fusion of sci-fi and fantasy. So far, it's been an interesting read.