Sanskrit Vedic literature classification.Curriculum devised by His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.This helps an individual practice methods to reach a Transcendental Meditative state.
Sanskrit Vedic literature classification.Curriculum devised by His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.This helps an individual practice methods to reach a Transcendental Meditative state.
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Cosmetics & Perfumes In Sanskrit Literature A Study
STOTTS yJ|^lsfoit|(u|
Tf
-
3TSSRSR;
by
M.Padmanabha Marathe Principal, Sn Durga Centre for Post Graduate Studies & Research in Sanskrit Kateel -574148
Thesis submitted to Mangalore University Mangalagangotri, Mangalore-574199
For the award of Doctor Of Philosophy In Sanskrit
Under the guidance of Dr.G.N.Bhat Director and Head, Center for Inter-disciplinary Studies and Research m Sanskrit (CISRS) Canara College, Mangalore
August - 2009
Certificate This is to certify that this thesis entitled Cosmetics & Perfumes In Sanskrit Literature submitted by M. Padmanabha the
A Study
Marathe for the award of the Degree of
Doctor Of Philosophy In Sanskrit
is
the result of bonafide research
work carried out by him m the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies and Research m Sanskrit (CISRS), Canara College, Mangalore, under my guidance and direct supervision I further certify that this thesis or part thereof has not previously formed the basis for the award of any Degree, Diploma or Fellowship of any other University or Institution
Date
Dr.G.N.Bhat Director,CISRS Prof of Sanskrit Canara College Mangalore - 575003
Declaration
I declare that this thesis entitled Cosmetics & Perfumes In Sanskrit Literature - A Study is
a bonafide record of research work done by me under the guidance
of Dr. G. N. Bhat,
Director, CISRS and Professor & Head, Dept of Sanskrit, Canara
First Grade College, Mangalore
This thesis has not formed the basis for the
award of any Degree, Diploma or Fellowship previously
Date .
M.Padmanabha Marathe Principal, Sn Durga Centre for Post Graduate Studies & Research m Sanskrit Kateel -574148
Acknowledgement Sri Durgasaptasati (popularly known as Sn Devimahatmyam), a sacred text on glories of Divine Mother, praises the Godess Sri Durga as Ya Devi Sarvabhutesu Buddhirupena Samsthita 1 e the Mother Sri Durga abides in all human beings in the form of intelligence She constantly presides over the sense organs and governs all the elements\
Indriyanam Adhisthatri Bhutanam Cakhilesu Ya
She even monitors the entire world m the form of consciousnessCitirupena Ya Krtsnametadvyapya Sthita Jagat So, all the thought processes are the outcommgs of her blessmgs Vedik corpus rightly observed this idea m the following hymnCodayitri Sunrtanam Cetanti Sumatinam Yajham Dadhe Sarasvati The Mother, particularly m the visible form of Kateel Sri Durgaparamesvari, is the source of inspiration 8s ignition key m all my activities. Her blessing has taken me to the area of research So, at the outset, I take this opportunity to offer my gratitudes 85 salutation to Sri Jaganmata by saymg-Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah Every branch of knowledge has a long heritage The vision of yore was to protect and transmit the knowledge for the generations together. Therefore, they became the real trustees of knowledge Gangadhara, the author of rare text(on Cosmetics & Perfumery) Gandhasara, offers salutation to the predecessors of Gandhasastra m the words Namaskrtya
.Gandhagamajhan Ca So it is my prime duty to offer
Pranamanjah to the Acaryaparampara of Gandhasastra Gandhagama is closely associated with the other disciplines of learning My salutions to all those Gurus of Jhanasakhas and the great heritage Dr G N Bhat, Director, Centre for Inter-disciplinary Studies and Research m Sanskrit & Prof of Sanskrit, Canara College, Mangalore has moulded my carrier right from my Post Graduate Studies He is a friend, philosopher 85 mentor for my activities. His approach towards students recalls me the following words of ApastambaPutramivamam Anukanksan Sarvadharmesu Anapacchadayamanah Suyukto Vidyam Pahayet His guidance for this research study is really comprehensive He is a Sisyacittapaharaka m real sense of the term Now this is the platform to say Sastangoyam Pranamaste to generous Guide Dr. G N Bhat. The Centre for Inter-disciplinary Studies and Research in Sanskrit (CISRS),Canara
College, Mangalore has opened the doors for
multidisciplinary studies & Research in Sanskrit m this geographical area The Centre, College 85 the Management support the studies on Indian thought 8s cultured duly recognise their help The Principal, staff members 85 administrative body of Canara College were courteous during the course of research. Thanks to them. Sn Durga Centre for Post Graduate Studies and Research in Sanskrit, Kateel is a foundation for my academic carrier. It is the Adhisthana for my activities The Management of the Centre(Tempfe administration) was kind enough to give freedom 8s help for my research
studies I take this opportunity to convey my sincere salutations to the Temple administration, Management and Colleagues of the Centre. Satavadhani Dr R Ganesh, Bangalore has made some valuable suggestions to go ahead with this research work Hereby my Satanatayah to him My cousm(brother) Sri Dindkar Marathe has helped me a lot m gettmg the books from various libraries m spite of his M Phil Studies. I recognise his help 85 wish him every success. My wife Mrs Pavana P Marathe has actively co-operated m typing the thesis It would not have been possible to reach the target without her help. Special thanks to her My brother-in-law Sri. Vishwanath Kakathkar has helped me m rectifying the English errors Thanks to him My family members have actively co-operated me by sharing the other household responsibilities My sincere gratitudes & thanks for them. My friends & wellwishers too joined their hands for this endeavour. To all of them I say * Bhuyisthante Nama Uktim Vidhema
I CHAPTER . General Sources of Cosmetics & Perfumes
1 14 -
15-73
(Vedic 86 Post Vedic Sources)
II chapter
Specific sources of Cosmetics & Perfumes
74 151 -
(Ayurveda, Rasasastra,Tantrasastra & Kamasastra)
m CHAPTER Gandhasara of Gangadhara
152-211
IV CHAPTER
Gandhavada of an unknown author
212-235
V CHAPTER
Apphcational Aspects, Regulations, Technical terms & Related information on Cosmetics & Perfumes
236-303
CONCLUSION
304-312
APPENDIX
313-346
PROFILE OF Dr P K GODE
347-349
BIBLIOGRAPHY
350-359
r
Introduction"
Ancient and mediaeval Indian social life system was moulded on fourfold objectives viz D/?am7a(sustamability), Artha(wealth), Kama (satisfaction of sensual, emotional 85 artistic mterest)& Moksa (liberation) Out of them Artha & Kama are directing material prosperity Sukhanubhoga 1 e material enjoyment was an integral part of ancient Indian thinking along with the opinion to experience it maccordance with Dharma Apastamba Dharmasutra1 declares that such pleasure, which is not opposed to Dharma,takes one towards happy living 85 liberation Kautilya stresses that one should not lead a life with no pleasures 2 Thus, m the developmental stream of civilization, the activities of ancient Indians were directed towards happy living 1 e Ananda Material pleasure seeking, bemg a part of happy living, is based on the concept of Atmarnam In Ayodhyakanda of Srimadramayana of Valmiki, we come across with this concept, wherem, the king Dasaratha says that he had discharged his duties towards the repaymg of Atmarna along with the other pious obligations 3
1
^
I
i ADS 2-8-20
2 ^ PlUysiS ^flq( IAK 1-7 : but he cautions us that the enjoyment must be sustainable 8s affordable 1 e I 3
IVR 2-4-14 Traditionally, Vedik literature emphasizes to discharge 3 pious obligations viz ita 85 , whereas VR adds two more 85 designates as tePT 8s 3PTPT
1
This Atmarna can be discharged by enjoying permitted worldly pleasures debt
5
4
Non-fulfillment of desires of the senses leads a person to
Therefore, the ancient Indians gave due importance to the
body as it is the pnmaiy mean to discharge the pious duties 6 Grabmg such an opportunity of enjoyment makes one intellectually advanced
7
The ancient and mediavel Indians had equal mterest m material world as much as they had m spiritual uphftment Even the great philosophers, who craved for
spiritual empowerment, never
condemned to satisfy the sensory enjoyments ; but they cautioned us to use the discretion power.8 Sanskrit Literature, a mirror of ancient Indian thoughts & wisdom and being a medium of expression, contains innumerable information about all walks of life It is a treasure house of tremendous knowledge m all fields including Philosophy, Science, Technology and Arts. This language has given much opportunity to think m multi-dimensional aspects & moulded the shape of country on the true cultural basis The study of the present topic Samskrtasahitye Angaragah Sugandhadravyam Ca i e Cosmetics & Perfumes in Sanskrit Literature is 4 ailWKfed'iri
tm
I
5
on VR 2-4-14
creator
jpRq 3?^ 1
TRIJWtJWter on VR 2-4-14
6 sihhnq Tag 7
8
kus
^
5-33
WTS I yt'ro on VR 2-4-14
f-Web^qiTf fel cFT
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in 2
I
one line on the spectrum of Indian civilization so rich with variegated streaks of material culture of the different periods of Indian history from the Vedic times to 18th century A D This study is aimed at unearthing the knowledge of ancient Indians m beautification, its relative importance m health
85
hygiene
85
role m society etc
Human mind has always been a worshipper of beauty
1
e
Saundaryam since prehistoric times Man's this instinct nature of worshipping beauty might have tried to make himself more beautiful than other human beings Accordmgly, l^cfcsS^^n his Kajvib&Qt&nsays that appearance is one of the ingredients of personality 9 It was also assumed that a good constituents of dignified life
physique is one of the important
10
Therefore, the care about body is increased & this concern led to the rise of Body Decoration Art This art has most interesting multi dimensional aspects Dress,Ornaments,Floral wreaths, Cosmetics 85
Perfumes all these are caught m its wide net, the almost each of
these has so many varied aspects that they have been treated as separate branches of study Out of various accessories of Body Decoration Arts, the Cosmetics 8s Perfumes play a pertinent role They symbolize man's attachment to 9lfl 3WIFT # fTOTOTT I
KS 7-1-3
10 The following gmfhrTs prove this (1) TOFT (11) TTOltRyi M
TOT fcOTT fcR# ^ Iclcfiffg I NN p 31
3
TO#
II NN p 12
the material world At present, these two branches
1
e. Cosmetics &
Perfumes are taken for detailed study Sanskrit parallels for Cosmetics is Angaragah and perfume is Gandhah or Sugandhah The art of blending perfumes is known as Gandhayuktih The word Angaraga can be defined as dTf W dlfr-Totf' = TPf, WMftf W1 i.e the body is beautified / shines through this Regarding the historisity of this word, we may quote Srimadramayana of Valm iki, wherein, Anasuya has offered Angaragas to Sita 12 Saradiyakhyanamamala, a Kosa compiled by Harsakirti, mentions Angaraga as Anulepana i.e application of unguents 13
_
to the body Amarakosa mentions the words like Gatranulepani, Varti, Varnaka & Vilepana as parallels to Angaraga 14 The words like Gatraranjana,Gatraraga, Angasamskara.Prattkarma are related to Angaraga
15
The mention of *
Nakhalekhaka m Mahabhasyam of Patahjali(6-3-73) supports the idea of beautification through the Cosmetics
16
Thus, the Cosmetics are the
substances of varied origins that we apply on our face or body to make it more attractive Bntanica Encyclopaedia states “ Cosmetics are substances of diverse origin scientifically compounded and used
(1) to
cleanse (2) to allay skin
troubles (3) to cover up imperfections and (4) to beautify They have been 11
- Chakravarthi Snnivasa Gopalacharya Vol I p 23
12 13 14
VR1-3-18 SlfTRt
I siMtWRFFiraT of 4fd4%b'
I
(6th centuiy A D ) 11-54 p 487
AKII-6-702
15 SKD-Vol I p 35 16 SICH-Vol I P K Gode p 48
4
used by men & women from the earliest times” “probably they originated in the East ”
18
17
It further states
This helps us to infer the
remote antiquity of use of Cosmetics m India The word Gandha or Sugandha is derived from the root q^fc^fcr^r19 which means to
- '3T5T20 le an ingredient
which is having odourous effect Vaisesikas consider Gandha as one of the twenty four properties or Gunas According to Nyaya philosophy,it is the property characteristic ~
of Prthivi
21
In this way, all earthem products are odourous m nature.
Broadly, Gandha is classified into two viz. Saurabha (pleasant odour) & 22
Asaurabha (unpleasant odour)
Mahabharata classifies the Gandha mto ten varieties. They are Ista, Amsta, Madhura, Katu, Nirhan, Samhata, Smgdha, Ruksa, Visada & Amla 17 Encyclopaedia Bntamca-Vol VI(14th Edn ) pp 485-488 18 Ibid p 489 19
Vol II
Chakravarthi Snmvasa Gopalachaiya p 916
20 Ibid p 916 21
- TS p 2
22 aWflI'Si) siteft yiui^dlqcbKcbS I tr
qfhfife n
skd-voi ii
23 M Wl
p 300
I EftTSEtS cfig^TdT
mm iFFm ffas qifM W
II
^i II MB XIV, 49, 41-42
Later texts give the sources of these smells or odours They are W fmig=4SMr^?(Kr,
8s
5
- Vide SKD-Vol II p 300
23
The word Gandha is also denotes the meaning Perfume
The
Mother Nature has given some special aromas to certain products Therefore, the word Sugandha is also used as an alternative for Gandha In this way, the word Gandha is also to mean Sugandha Sugandha means ‘ STTTRt
i e That which emittes best fragrance
Therefore, it is understood that m olden days the people were used to get fragrance by crushing or rubbing the aromatic substances _
Gandha is also to mean Amoda 1 e pleasure.
26
Thus, the perfumes
are the scents made from flowers and other substances to make oneself smell nice They give a pleasant smell which mturn helps the mind to relax. Encyclepaedia Bntanica says “ Perfumes are substances which by they gratify the sense of smell The history of perfumes is closely associated with that of Cosmetics”.
27
The Cosmetics 8s Perfumes are also aimed at perfecting imperfections and there by improving the pleasure of life
So, the
use of Cosmetics 8s Perfumes became the legitimate objects of enjoyment
24 V S Apte - The students Sanskrit English Dictionary p 180 25 Ibid p 255 26 siwtew 3WSK
srwf Wd
i II
of
11-62 p 487
27 Encyclopaedia Bntanica Vol XVII (14th Edn ) pp 505-507
6
Gagabhatta{ 1650- 1675 A D ),a scholar in the court of Marathi King
Shivaji, quotes a verse m one of his works defining eight Bhdgas(objects of enjoyment) m which the Sugandha is also one 28 Vatsayana m his Kamasutram mentions sixty four arts to be studied
by a civilized person In these sixty four arts, we come across with many body decoration arts among which Angaraga29 and Gandhayukti 30 are included. Banabhatta's Candrapida has studied many arts 8e sciences m which the Gandhasastra is also one
31
In the strict sense of the term, Cosmetics are body applications with or without fragrance and most of them are related to skm and result of which m the form of bodily charm that can be seen through eyes (Rupam Tu Drstya) , where as Perfumes are odorous substances the smell of which can be experienced through the nose (Ghranena Gandham) Generally, m most of the Sanskrit treatises, Cosmetics 8s Perfumes come under smgle head as they are having inter disciplinary approach Gandhasastra or Gandhayukti are the two terms under which these two mterhnked
subjects l e Angrarapa{Cosmetics) 8s Gandhadravyas (Perfumes) are dealt with Gandhasastra means the science of Cosmetics 8& Perfumery and Gandhayukti means an art of preparing different Cosmetics 8s Perfumes 28
19MT ^
29.
30 31
|
tFtRjf^To
IISICH-VoI IPKGodep 131
KS 1-3-15 (d^XPrrsf'nfes f|W
I KS 1-3-15
-
I (TRm#i
•A
p 231
7
According to Yogasastra, natural pleasant aroma & golden complexion are the indicators of successful first step of experience m Yoga Sadhana 32 It was believed that the usage of Gandha (perfume) is an mdex of creative youth 33 Even the use of Cosmetics 85 Perfumes 34
are treated as a part of cleanliness , but too much application of cosmetic products was considered as an expression of uncultured behaviour of the user
35
The mam purpose of Angaraga and Gandhanulepana was not merely to satisfy the desire of indulging m luxurious habits As the Cosmetics & Perfumes of the yore are natural products 8s if the limbs and other parts of the body are properly rubbed
85
cleansed every day with the
help of these products and light exercise is done, the body becomes healthy and the mind automatically becomes cheerful This cheerfulness keeps one fit and eradicates the possibility of diseases. A cheerful mmd is always favourable for keepmg good health According to Ayurvedik texts, the use of Perfume is a part of daily regimen _ 36
i e Dmacarya
Caraka mentions the benefits of Perfumes m the following way
32
sraw
- quoted in “A Study of select Sutra texts m
Sansknt on Tantra Vidya written in 20-21st CenturyfPh d thesis) ”-p 45 33 3FJ
» of 4!4 -
34 Pm ^°o
siffrri
9jfeft?FT ft y 35 1) n) 36 OTRgifi
p 43
I I
- cbianlw
KS 1-4-6 (snp^FHlf^ 1 KS 4-1-25
tlcRT SjftclbRS I II AH 1-3-47
8
t.°
)
II
CS 1-5-96
Thus, the Indian Gandhasastra originated m the back ground of decorating physique & Ayurvedic perception , later, it appears to have developed as a specialized art m course of time and consequently Vatsayana m Kamasutra mentions Angaraga and Gandhayukti are the special branches of study m sixtyfour arts Dr P K Gode says “ With the development of Indian culture in a
full fledged manner, specializations in different arts and professions must have come into being and the Gandhasastra,which catered to the gay tendencies of ladies 8s gentleman of antiquity, developed as both a science and an art, as it was useful both in secular and religious spheres of their activities
37
Scope Gangadhara, the author of Gandhasara{a rare treatise on Gandhasastra composed m between 1200 A D and 1600 AD), beautifully defines the scope and purpose of the Indian Science 8s Art of Cosmetics and Perfumeiy m following verse
Tm dlW TOTrRT9ll*HHd) fedldHdMd II GS 1-4,5 O
*\
37 SICH-Vol I P K Gode p 31
9
'
i e The science of Cosmetics & Perfumery is helpful in the worship
of gods which requires the use of auspicious Perfumes & incense , it contributes to the pleasure of man, it leads to the attainment of three goals of human life ( Dharma, Artha & Kama), it removes ones own poverty, it contributes to the pleasure of kings and it gives the highest delight to the minds of accomplished ladies 38 The importance of Cosmetics & Perfumery is to be understood m the light of above remarks The manufacture and trade in Cosmetics 8s Perfumes was m a flourishing condition m ancient and mediaeval India Pahcatantra, a celebrated text on moral tales, contains a verse which observes the prosperity attained by the dealers m Cosmetics 8s Perfumes It reads :
msfa
5j3tacNi
ft
1-13
"Of all trades the trade of the Perfumes is the best, other trades like those of gold dealing etc are of no avail. In the case of Cosmetics & Perfumes what one purchases for one unit of money (say Rupee) can be sold for hundred units of money" Nityanatha Stddha, the author of alchemical text Rasaratnakara of 13th century A D , endorses the lucrative nature of Cosmetics 85 Perfumes m the following verse
38 English translation is taken from SICH-Vol I
10
PK Gode p 45
Mt.
wmg§m §pr
tori
wm
?it!^rs
m^mwt
55njrr sr%
toto
tot
to
qp%TOiH n
RSR-Rddhikhanda( Vadikhanda) 19-1
In the above verse, Nityanatha opines that plenty of wealth is the essence of life and it gives all happiness Therefore, he (the author) explains m the present text the necessary two means of acquirmg wealth. They are : (1) The knowledge of the manufacture of Gems (Ratnadmam Karanam) (2) Gandhavada, The knowledge & technique of manufacturing Cosmetics 8s Perfumes As the profession m articles of jewellery and Cosmetics 8s Perfumes is most profitable even today, the observation of Nityanatha Siddha m these luxuries of human life is note worthy Thus, the Gandhasastra has a distinct place m the cultural history of India To understand the full significance of Indian Gandhasastra, the knowledge of Cosmetics 85 Perfumes is to be accurately reconstructed with the conceptual understanding of the subject. The information is scattered through- out the Sanskrit literary sources. These varied literary sources have to be connected and woven m to a useful pattern So, an attempt is made m this research to conceptually understand the subject for making it practically relevant 11
Source materials : For the purpose of study, the source materials referred here are broadly divided mto two groups They are (1) General sources (2) Specific sources General sources comprise of Vedic literature, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puramk literature, Samskrta Kavya literature, Kosas, Encyclopedic works
like Brhatsamhita , Arthasastra of Kautilya , Manasollasa 8 Sivatatvaratnakara Specific sources or Sastrik sources consist of Ayurvedik texts, Erotic texts & Alchemy texts A special reference is also made towards the unique texts on Cosmetics and Perfumes viz Gandhasara of Gangadhara and Gandhavada of an unknown author In all these sources, the textual evidence about this science and art is occasional or m the form of summaries of the contents or complete systematic treatise like Gandhasara etc The information contained m the above sources is compiled and studied under following heads
I Chapter General Sources of Cosmetics & Perfumes 1.1 Vedic sources Comprising of Samhitas, Brahmanas.Upamsads & Kalpasutras which are primary books of ancient Indian wisdom 1.2 Post Vedic sources Srimadramayana 8 Srimanmahabharata.Puranas, Encyclopedic works like Arthasastra of Kautilya, Brhatsamhita of Varahamihira,Sarngadhara Paddhati etc
1.3 Samskrta Kavya Literature in general 12
II Chapter
Specific sources of Cosmetics & Perfumes (Ayurveda, Rasasastra, Kamasastra Texts)
2.1 Ayurveda
The information contained in Caraka Samhita,Susruta Samhita,
Astangahrdaya ofVagbhata, Cakradatta of Cakrapamdatta, Sarngadhara Samhita, Bhavaprakasa,Bhaisajyaratnavah etc is taken 2.2 Rasasastra(Alchemy texts) & Tantrasastra texts In this category the treatises like Rasaratnakara & Kamaratnam are viewed
2.3 Kamasastra texts : Kamasutram of Vatsayana, Ratirahasya, Pahcasayaka, Nagarasarvasva & Anangaranga etc. are referred
The information regarding the Cosmetics and Perfumes m the above texts and their role m health 8s hygeme is also discussed III Chapter Gandhasara of Gangadhara
A rare and unique text on Cosmetics & Perfumery Its structure, analytical study of contents & observations IV Chapter Gandhavada of an unknown author
This is also a rare text by an anonymous author along with Marathi commentary
A descriptive study of the contents, structure and observation
13
V Chapter
Applicational Aspects, Regulations, Technical terms 8s Related information on Cosmetics & Perfumes 5.1 Applicational Aspects (1) Religiousf Ritualistic)aspect (a) Social aspect (111) Erotic aspect
(iv) Medicinal/ Nutritive aspect
5.2 Regulations & Attitude ofDharma Sastras and Smrtis about using the Cosmetics & Perfumes 5.3 Explanation of technical terminology on Cosmetics 8s Perfumery 5.4 Other information on Cosmetics & Perfumery Efforts have been made by great Scholars like Dr P K Gode (BORI Pune), Dr Moti Chandra, Dr G P. Majumdar in many aspects of ancient Indian Cosmetics 85 Perfumery Here it is worth to note the special efforts of Dr. Parashuram Krishna Gode(Dr P K Gode) * Till 1944, there was no discovered special treatise on Indian Science of Cosmetics 85 Perfumery ; but m 1944, Dr Gode has discovered two rare treatises on Gandhasastra
in a two-m-one manuscript. The name of these two
texts are Gandhasara of Gangadhara and Gandhavada of an unknown author(with Marathi Commentary) Moreover, Dr Gode has written many articles on ancient Indian Cosmetics 8s Perfumery 8s other related topics. The present study is confined to Sanskrit literary sources. * A Profile of Dr. Gode is given at the end of this thesis 14
I Chapter General Sources Of Cosmetics & Perfumes. 1.1
1.2 Post Vedic sources 1.2.1 Srimadramayana 1.2.2 Snmanmahabharata
1.2.3 Puranas 1.2.4 Arthasastra of Kautilya
1.2 5 Brhatsamhita of Varahamihira,
1.2.6 Sarngadhara Paddhati
1.3 Samskrta
Kavya Literature in general
I Chapter |Generai^Sources Of^Cosmejics^&^Perfuwies^ 1.1 Vedic Literature Vedas are the earliest literary records available to mankind So they are the primary sources of information m all spheres of life Along with the spiritual ideas and religious practices, they contain the evidences of social customs, material culture and life styles etc The present study of Cosmetic and Perfumery ideas in Vedic Literature aims at viewing whole Vedic Literature comprising of Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas and Upamsads from this stand point In all the ages and countries, human pursuits start with the basic requirements of life viz. Food, Clothing and Shelter Once the basic requirements are fulfilled, the need for maintenance of decency m outward appearance arises This was true m case of Vedic people also. The Cosmetics and Perfumes mentioned m Vedic literature indicate that even m the remote past, people were fond of decorations and embellishments and they knew that the use of these materials make a man outwardly perfect While studying the passages of Vedic Samhitas and other allied Vedic works it is understood that people were aware of cosmetic and perfumery ideas Though they are scanty m nature but they throw light on ancient Indian practices of Cosmetics & Perfumery. The varied usage of scented articles during religious and other social performances is seen m this literature 15
The word Sugandha is appeared in following hymn of Rgveda
wm
gffersFm gP^FIRT
ipPJ#} *TPp?T II RV 7-59-12
Here Sayana mterprets the meaning of Tryambaka as Rudra, a form of Agni Agni, the carrier of oblations offered m him, emitts fragrant smoke Thus, the fragrant mouthed Agni is naturally conceived as augmentor of material prosperity and ensurer of immortality through divine grace 1 2 Dr R T Vyas, General Editor of the rare text Gandhasara of Gangadhara, is of the opinion that the correlation of fire, fragrant smoke and divine grace leading to earthly prosperity and immortality was well entrenched m Vedic age and continued to hold the religion m the form of lamp, mcense and the like as invariable accompaniment of worship of deity. He is also of the opinion that the two words used m this hymn viz Sugandhi and Pusti are significant and might have mspired to identify the practical aspect of Cosmetics & Perfumes which is witnessed by Gangadhara m his Gandhasara as Nrnam Pustikaram 1 e leads ,
to material prosperity. “
2
Rgvedic society appears to have been usual for ladies and grown up
girls to annoint their eyes with unguents on festive occasions like bndal feast and on social gathering” says Dr G S Ghurye 3 1 GSGV
R T Vyas pp 16&17
2 Ibid p 17 3 Vedic India
G S Ghurye p 50
16
" Though the use of Cosmetics & Perfumes was prevalent among both men & women, still from some of the descriptions contained in hymns it appears that they were more popular among girls" opines Dr Pranathi Ghosal4 The sage Vasistha in Rgveda describes the women of pure odour 1 e Punyagandhah
5
" This reference may be the earliest record of using
Perfumes" says Dr Pranathi Ghosal While narrating newly-wedded Surya, Rgveda describes the bride with wealth gifted, unguent applied & so on by the Sumangaiis, i e bedecked 7
married women. This description reflects the position of women & decoratmg concept m the contemporary society The women whose husbands were alive used perfumed kohl, unguents & jewels for the beautification even at the occasion of 8
-
funeral In Aranyamsukta, the forest has been mentioned as a source of Perfumery
9
, _
In Sri Sukta.Khila portion of Rgveda, the godess Laksmi is
addressed as havmg Gandha i e odorous nature
10
4 Lifestyle of the Vedic People (LSVP) Dr Pranathi Ghosal p 53 5
While instructing the manner of people, the Atharvaveda has remarked that a man becomes eligible for priesthood onty after furnishing himself with proper anointments & ornaments 1 Further, it actually mentions the names of substances used in the preparation of different items of Cosmetics like Anjana, Madugha, Kustha, Nalada* etc
12
As Atharvaveda gives much importance to worldly practices, it prescribes the proper use of anointments for decorating The hymns related to prayers for long life{Ayusyani)and for curing diseases {Bhaisajyarv) refer certain plants and herbs which possess magical powers of curmg diseases & removmg evil spirits that cause psycho somatic disorders The plants that are used m these remedies have cosmetic & aromatic properties. Some of them are Kustha, Guggulu, Laksa or Rohmi, Madavati, Madugha, Usira, Tagara etc Even the sources of some of these plants are mentioned For e g Guggulu (bdellium) is said to be derived from the region Sindh and the Sea & its fragrance
11 -g sfRRtrqrs
pm
g#r§ gftws I pM asms jprdmi
n av 20-128-7
The Botanical Names of Plants are given m Appendix-1
qgEm
12
tJTl FTP
wi
II Ibid 6 - 102 -3
PFT brings out the meaning clearly as under 3TOFM PoTOFlPPfSM
Tffrpp,
fSPT l
>3#rfd agfrapr, p-pippr I
§{8
FT,
PjfccIRT PPFTT poFdifepiirPpp
FTP fFTPFFIf vjse* p&aip PFtFF|P3l#qiwrF§ I 18
keeps away the diseases 85 other evils 13
Kustha(Costus
Speciosus) is
another important ingredient in many of the items of cosmetic 85 perfumery Industry It is the basic substance m the Perfumes that have gained favour of consumers m the East & West describes its marvellous powers of giving long life The decorating items of
Vedic
Atharvaveda
14
period consists of
Anjana
(collynum),
ointment for body, face 85 feet, powder and Perfumes The word
Anjana
frequently occurs m
Vedic
Literature From the
references m the Vedic corpus it appears that sometimes this word stands for any cosmetic product and m some case for collynum
“Whatever
may be its exact nature its frequent occurence proves the popularity of Cosmetics among both men & women!' says Dr Pranathi Ghosal Atharvaveda(4-9-l0)
This
Trikakud
15
mentions Trikakud mountain as the origin of Anjana
mountain is identified with modern Trikota m the north
of Punjab 8g south of Kashmir There is a story behmd this mountain When Indra killed Vrtra, the latter was transformed in to the mount Trikakud and his eyeball fell off and became salve Thus, when collynum is 13 d ci
wit
%
l
arcp 11 TH 3R3T fcTdt 1
33^11 4FTTWT
afRudldill I
quoted m GSGV , R T.Vyas, p,19,
14 Ibid p 19 15 LSVP
Pranathi Ghosal p 53
19
applied to the eye of the sacnficer, the pnest, infact, puts eye in to eye The genesis of eye-salve from the mountain suggests that it is made from black ore of antimony 16 The reference of Ahjanikara, an expert m preparing Ahjana, makes us to guess the existence of cosmetic works as a seperate Cottage Industry
17
In the context of sacrificer's initiation, one of the Vedic Samhita and Brahmanas have prescribed to anoint his body with butter 8s eyes with collynum. It is notable that even the manner & time of anointing has been mentioned m a specific language
18
For instance, Aitareyabrahmana mforms varied forms of anointments for the priest in Srauta sacrifices For e.g butter was for gods, fragrant butter for men, slightly melted for P/?rs(menes) and fresh butter for embroys
19
It further explains that such application gives lustre to the eyes
Satapathabrahmana, m the context of usmg Cosmetics, remarks "these are but human embellishments"
20
It further suggests to give
anointments for eyes 85 feet to the mourners on their return from the crematorium
21
16 tcEf? «rafrT test
cMttcfcf?
^ B$e«q3|«t^6r WldMI-^dloaHW ^rTT II AV 4-9-10 , SB 3-1-3-12
A special facial make-up by name Sthagara is mentioned m -
Taittir/yabrahmana
22
Bloom Field states four forms of this word as Sthakara,
Sthagara, Tagara & Takan 85 mentions it as a fragrant powder
23
The general practice of using Perfumes by couples mentioned m Satapathabrahmana indicates that both form 85 smell enhance sexual attraction.
24
,
_
'
Pancavimsabrahmana also expresses that the purpose of
Cosmetics is to bring auspiciousness
25
Then it narrates a story
regarding the origin of the Cosmetics 8s Perfumes m the following way • when Agm was about to enter the office of Hotr for gods, he shook himself, what was his flesh became Guggulu (bdellium), the muscles became fragrant reed-grass and bones formed pine woods These are the Perfumes of gods
26
Upamsads, which are describmg the spiritual heights to be attained by human beings, never condemned the worldly pleasures Chandogya Upanisad says that m the destined worldly pleasures of human beings, the Gandhamalyaloka i.e world of Perfumes 85 decorations is also one 22
^ WTT
27
Further it says, m the dialogue of Narada 85
cb^lRl^l | TB 2-3-10-2 (RFRt HR
^ ftwr
*tuSifc)^R c|whRk=II - HFWs)
23 GSGV
R T Vyas p 20 fn 18
24 trFt 25
Icmisis 47$r fap wh
1
pb
I sb 9-4-1-4
24-13-3
26 PB 24-13-5 , quoted m LSVP Pranathi Ghosal p 55
27 3T?T TRlHl^d|cbcWH’l
ycb^||^c|IW
tgSrTSdtrPT
II CU 8-2-6
21
Sanatkumara, Devajanavidya as one of the subjects to be studied by the students The commentator Sri Sankaracarya has explained the above term as the study of various arts viz Music & Dance, Perfumery etc Kausitaki Uparvsad refers to Curnahasta Apsaras way to the
Brahmaloka
29
28
The aspirant on his
should be greeted by divine ladies with
anointments, aromatic powder, garlands, new garments, ornaments etc On this basis, Pranathi Ghosal mfers that the use of some type of aromatic powder was prevalent by the late Vedic period
30
The fragrant wood Candana is mentioned m Vasudeva Uparvsad, -
_
Gopicandana Uparvsad & Ramapurvatapam Uparvsad
31
The fragrant plants
of Vedic age as recorded by Dr G P.Majumdar are Ouksagandhi, Guggulu, -
Naladi,Kustha,Pila & Pramundam
32
33
/
Saunaka's Brhaddevata (400 B C) mentions
the fragrant plants like Devadaru, Guggulu, Sugandhitejana etc. Thus, Vedas, bemg the fountain head of all knowledge spheres of learning, contain the knowledge relating to Cosmetics & Perfumes which inturn represent the material well bemg of the Vedic age These references help us to construct the remote history of Cosmetics & Perfumes m India 28
| CU 7-1-2 ft'HHRiii
^Tl'dciiiyR^qifc
29 30 LSVP
5Td
sigKMw’s commentary) I KU 1-4
Pranathi Ghosal p 55
31 SICH - Vol I
P K.Gode p 316
32 Ibid p 316 33 rt^nf^r
hrt
I II <^ddl of
22
7-78
1.2 Post Vedic sources * 12.1 Snmadramayanam SriMadramayanam of Maharsi Valmlki is considered as the Adikavyam (first poetical composition) of Classical Sanskrit Literature Indian literature, m general, is highly indebted to Valamiki for providing an inexhaustible source of inspiration m Ramayana to the poets through the ages It has rightly remarked by M Wmternitz “Ramayana became the property of the whole Indian people and scarcely any other poem in the entire literature of the world, has influenced the thought & poetiy r-
of a great nation for centuries''
34
Though we have the earliest picture of Indian culture and civilization m Vedic literature, the credit of presenting the clear picture of Sanatana culture of India almost complete m every detail belongs to the Ramayana It gives us a vivid picture of a living human society & furnishes ample details with regard to its Food & Drink, Dress & Ornments, Body Decorations,Amusements, Customs etc For every student of history of India, the study of Ramayana is indispensable Traditionally, the Ramayana is regarded as Kavya which contains the story of Srirama, an incarnation of Visnu, in the Tretayuga Whereas, the modern scholars put the date of the composition of the epic as late as 3rd or 4th century A.D 35 Though there are divergent opmions 34 Wmternitz M- A History of Indian Literature - Vol I p 476 35 A Socio-Political Study of Valmiki Ramayana 23
Ramashraya Sharma p 4
regarding the date of its composition, one can absolutely say that it falls posterior to the entire Vedic literature 85 prior to Buddhistic literature Dr.Ramashraya Sharma says “ It is quite safe to assign the Ramayana to the 6th century B C and. the Epic principally draws before us a picture of ancient Indian culture & civilization of the period of its composition” 36 Thus, it serves as a connecting link between the Vedic 8c Puramk times While coming to the present topic, the people of Ramayana period were very particular about their personal decoration Pratikarma and Alankaravidhi are the two terms which indicate the art of decoration.37 While explaining the citizens of Ayodhya,Valmiki says" No person can be found without anointing himself "38 In royal palaces there were ladies 8s old men proficient m the art of &nomtmg(AnuIepakah) and personal decoration (Pratikarmani Nisthitah) Cleaning of teeth with sticks and limbs with various powders and the medicinal herbs was very common and almost every one besmeared the body with different kinds of Scents[Gandha), Cosmetics{Angaraga )and Unguents (Anulepana).39 The sandal paste was common among such applications Both Rama 8s Ravana are said to have applied to their 36 A Socio-Political Study of Valmlki Ramayana 37
fwffSRtar yifcfcB#! pdTS
eKRsRIS
Ramashraya Sharma p 5
I VR 6-95-23 I VR 6-102-3
ttlgTOTC Mr 1 VR 1-6-10 39 A Socio-Political Study of Valmiki Ramayana Ramashraya Sharma p 215
24
limbs soft, fragrant and refreshing red sandal paste 40 Anjana was seen by Vayu with her body smeared with red sandal paste after her bath 41 Sita was presented by Anasuya with an extremely superior type of paste and unguent, the application of which was to render eternal loveliness to her limbs 42 The attics of the royal palaces were decorated with flowers 8s Perfumes extracted from sandal 8s Aguru
43
The royal garden m Lanka with its trees 85 plants violently
shaken by Hanuman's feet 85 tail looked like a harlot whose fragrant ointment had been wiped off(Mrditavarnaka}m course of the manhandling by her paramour.
44
Women applied sandal, Alaktaka and Laksa juice to their feet and superior sandal paste on their breasts 45 On the face, they wore a variegated decorations of dots of sandal 8s other paste prepared from 40 A Socio-Political Study of Valmtki Ramayana Ramashraya Sharma p 217
41 Ibid p 217
m Tiraf^r
w srifc
ftcTfa
n
^Tsqfcl II
TOft TOT m cpar
^
|| ^JRTOTI
sfcRJTTF
II
43
Ibid 2-118-18 to 21
I II
Ibid 2-82-5,6
44 A Socio-Political Study of Valmiki Ramayana ' Ramashraya Sharma p 218
45 Ibid p 218 25
flowers which was known as Bhakti or Visesaka 46 Ravana wore such Bhakti 47
as he sat in his court and Rambha looked very attractive m the pleasing decoration of various colours on her face
48
A passage m the
Sundarakanda indicates that the art of fumigation was also known to the people
49
During night, when the king Ravana desired to move out to see Sita, the path was lit with many lamps filled with aromatised oils
50
Even the kings of Ayodhya made it obligatory duty of bathroom servents to fill the vessels with perfumed water of Hancandana for their daily bath
51
It is known that the people of that period knew various usages of cosmetic & aromatic products For instance,the dead body of Dasaratha was kept in Tailadrom i e.an oval shaped wooden vessel full of special type of oil with aromatic substances and it was so effective that the king looked as if asleep with yellowish colour of his body 52
unfaded. Similar instance is reffered m Uttarakanda, wherem, the dead 46 A Socio-Political Study of Valnvki Ramayana 47 48
I VR 5-4-50 ft§f^I%Sf§rs
49 ^K‘413? 50
I Ibid 6-32-11 37*2^ II Ibid 5-4-50
UH-TlKcmiRlddl ~
~
51
Ibid 5-16-18
tWycAfcJ^o I '3#RJS PTFfRT»
52 rtorsNf
II Ibid 2-65-8 ?nRld d
I
II Ibid 2-70-4
26
Ramashraya Sharma p 218
body of the son of a Brahmana was kept m Tailadrom filled with scented oils
53
Further, when the body of king Dasaratha was taken for cremation
the fragrant woods like Candana, Sarala, Padmaka & Devadaru were used
54
When Bharata went to the forest to see Snrama, the path, on which his army was set out, was aromatised with sandal water & flowers
55
In this army there were Perfumers{Gandhopajivinah) & Fumigators (Dhupakah) Thus, the above references illustrate the various uses of cosmetic & aromatic items which were m vogue m contemporary society. 12.2 Srimanmahabharata
Srimanmahabharata is authored by Sri Vedavyasa who is believed to ,
-____
be an incarnation of god Sri Narayana himself
56
It is the greatest
composition m the history of the world ever witnessed. It is great m quality 85 quantity. The name Mahabharata is attributed due to its 53 elMRT
§1%
Pfifw 1
4%^
^pif^rg 11
*rar t
MfaciH i vr 7-66-2,3a
54
cRTT I
fefT 4sJ)WSTT5trt II
clefs ^RTPTI^fWFf^
cT^FffS II VR 2-70-16,17
55 tK'ikcbtjRjctdl
II VR 2-74-13 Vide
Two lectures(kan) Bannarye Govmdacharya p 23 27
volummess & heavy m subject matter
57
This is the magnum opus of
this land which made an incomparable contribution to the literature It is equal to eighteen Puranas, all the Dharmasastras and Vedas It has been mentioned that whatever is said m it would be found elsewhere & what is not contained m it would not be found anywhere else
58
It
comprises of all facets of human culture Therefore, this epic is revered as fifth Veda
59
The principal story and several legends of this epic go back to the later Vedic age Much of enlargement and eloboration appers to the period of SOtras extendmg from the 6th century B C to the 2nd century B C Thus, the composition of text Mahabharata is spreaded from 800 BC to 200 AD
60
This, being an ltihasa(history), depicts the socio-cultural
aspects of contemporary Indian tradition. The information regarding the Cosmetics 85 Perfumery is scattered throughout the text. Applying collynum to the eyes, making Tilaka mark on forehead by a cosmetic product, Tailabhyanga 1 e massage with oil, Udvartana(rubbing the body with aromatic substances), Anulepanas (application of unguents)with Candana etc 8s wearing a garland of 57
'MK.cjccjitxj ^T^MTcIJSTrf I SHSL - T K Ramachandra Iyer p 29
58 ^ '•iR'SlRd 59 "SfTCcTo
tf
rr %% q
wpm 4^lRrl
Wsm I
^ 'pfet II MB 1-56-33
I Vide
The Mahabharata Revisited
60 The Mahabharata Revisited
Ed
R N Dandekar p 14
R N Dandekar p 14 28
scented flowers are some of the daily routines of royal families at the time of Mahabharata. While depicting the people of different regions like Pandya, Kerala the reference like Gandhacurnavacurmtah is seen There is a reference to the use of Kakudanjana by the ladies
61
Draupadi' s mother Prsati made Tilaka mark on Draupadt' s forehead 8s Kalanjana to the eyes
62
It was believed that the gift of aromatic
substances is meritorious
63
On the occasion of Subhadra's marriage,
it is said that she was sent along with the attendents who are experts m Snapana 8s Utsadana
64
Dhupas (mcenses) - It mentions 3 types of Dhupas They are a) Niryasa
b) Sarala
& c) Krtrima
a) Niryasa Incenses created by burnmg of exudations from trees like Guggulu, Sallaki etc are termed Niryasa This variety is dear to gods 8s godesses b) Sara/a(simple) 'This is produced by burnmg the leaves of trees such as Sarala, Aguru, Sallaki, Sarja , this pleases Yaksas, Raksasas, Daityas 61
I MB
30-22
WI4
62 4TdT 4 ?R4Ig
fftcM 44§f§MFT II
3Wt frffiSE 63 (rFFSJH (lO^TORFPT
3# I MB Sffef appendix p 647
<^(T flFJbd'ddldl MB
63-30
II Ibid 57-35
64 Mim'itdliW 1(4 4^44 444lPddH I g44§ldcbu<5lHIHtlqim 3d KWH]
’MW SSIFIT
29
||
gsfitTO || MB snfcqg 213-44-45
c) Krtnma Artificially produced from fermented substances like molasses which is dear to gods, Danavas, Bhutas 85 men 65 The references like Pradipaih Kancanaistatra Gandhatailavasecanaih (lamps used to be filled with perfumed oil), Gandhacurnavacurnitah (fragrant powder was used for face & body),Sugandhacitrastaranopapannam Sayanam (bed-sheets were variegated and scented) 8s Gandhamalyarcitam Saram (the arrow is worshipped with sandal paste 85 flower garlands) indicate the varied use of Cosmetics & Perfumes A great variety of articles of Cosmetics 86 Perfumes were commonly used 8s also were given as gifts for religious purposes m the age of Mahabharata For instance, at the time of Rajasuya, the representatives of Arab 85 other regions have given the aromatic articles like Aguru along with other items as gift.66 In Drona Parva, while describing the process of taking bath by Yudhisthira, the reference to sandal, scented water 8s red sandal paste is mentioned 67 While entering Krsna to the Khandava Prastha, the roads were fumigated 65 MB aqsiRFTCcf 101-38-43 66 MB frt 34-36
m\ HFFJf ^TS I ^8 tqqdfWt I *[5ERft
67
HJWg
HldlWWIS W W II
^5 ||
tl#
qi'4Ww#=$g I 3Wf!cl8 cbmilq cr^fes ^TTSTcfS II
swsraftfttr
tr iiwntr
%
i
w#rq aw s®#* fsifaraifqcH 11 1 ^'T|T wpjjts 11
4lR?IH.=l*H8 JTH3?I8 5Tlo5#rg f^RTS ||
MB StW 58-8-13
30
with Aguru & decorated with various aromatic flowers 68 It was also believed that the gift of aromatic substance is meritorious 69 Thus, whatever might be the differences among scholars about the date of Mahabharata, the students of Cosmetics & Perfumery can not afford to neglect the vast material provided by it 12 3 Puranik Literature Generally, Puranas deal with five characteristic topics viz Sarga (creation or evolution of universe), Pratisarga (re-creation of the world from its constituent elements in which it is merged at the close of Kaipa 1 e.aeon), Vamsa (genealogies of gods, sages, kings etc ), Manvantara
(cosmic cycles, each of which is ruled by a Manu) and Vamsanucarita (accounts of royal dynasties) 70 Along with these 5 characteristics, they contain important information on social development, life styles etc Dr Rajendra Prasad Hazra says “ from the 4th century A D the Hindus began to feel keenly the necessity not only ofpopularizing the study of different branches of learning
but also of
68
tfrs sftfte ZSfJrlPJW
69 4 rtfrm
II MB213-32,33
§TTOT
5RI%
I
qRfftTS d ^ ^tfrRSkrs II MB
70 Wd
gRKPfed cffltWcRlfb A I
SRIfpRd Vide
101-44
rfa 3IM
II
The student’s Sanskrit -English Dictionary V S Apte
31
p 342
increasing the importance of the Puranas as repositories of knowledge ”71 Accordingly, an encyclopedic character is found m the Puranas Regarding the Cosmetics 8s Perfumery ideas, almost all Puranas have passing references ; but special importance attaches to Agmpurana, Kahka Purana and Visnudharmottara Purana Out of these three, Agm is a Mahapurana and Kahka and Visnudharmottara are Upapuranas Agmpurana is having encyclopedic nature containing almost everything of general interest This is though a Mahapurana, its compilation date is later than the Upapurana Visnudharmottara The probable time of its compilation is 9th century AD72 “
Visnudharmottara is most important and interesting in the whole range of
Upapurana literature ’’says R P Hazra.73 This is an extensive work containing many ideas of human life “This must have been compiled between 400 & 500 A.D either in Kashmir or in the northern most part of Panjab . " opines Dr Hazra
74
Kahka Purana is regarded as one of the most authoritative works on Sakti worship Primarily, this deals with the worship of Kahkamata While discussing the connected topics on worship, we come across with social customs 8s manners This was written probably m the 10th or 11th eentuiy A D accordmg to Dr Hazra
75
71 Cultural Hentage of India(CHI) The Ramaknshna Mission, Culcutta p 268 72 Ibid p 270 73 Ibid p 277 74 Ibid p 278 75 Ibid p 281
32
These three Puranas have drawn speical attention as they
have
preserved the summaries & ideas on Cosmetics & Perfumes The ideas of Gandhayukti are discussed m the 64th chapter of II Khanda of Visnudharmottara Parana In Agnipurana, they appear m 224th chapter while discussmg Rajadharma as to Kamasastra In Kalika Purana, these details are described as accessories for religious worship m 73rd chapter
A glance over contents of Cosmetics & Perfumery The 64th chapter of Visnudharmottara Purana (hereafter termed as VDP) starts with narrating eight processes m manufacturing the Cosmetics & Perfumes They are : (1) Sodhana (2) Vasana (3) Virecana (4}Bhavana {5)Paka (6)Bodhana (7)Dhupana &(8)l/asanam 76 Here the Vasanam process is repeated twice A detailed discussion of the processes is explained as under In the first manufacturing process i e Sodhana, the product to be aromatised is to be cleansed with the decoction of leaves of Kapittha, _
—
-
Bilva,Jambu,Amra & Bijapuraka
77
It further says, m the absence of above _
materials,this process can be fulfilled with the water of musk or Musta
76
eTRR
cftfcf W
I
fPHr *k 414^ cfRR Ik
kfe
rWT II cFfefipk SJSPT II VDP 64 - 1 & 2a
77
II cptecfi- jj
stlkd
g clef I Ibid 64 - 2b & 3a \
78 k#
R^lrf I
rCTlI g 4xkl detf g?dF41T fer II VDP 3b & 4a
33
78
When the substance gets dried, then it has to be again merged with the water of Pahcapallava 85 to be boiled till it dries Then the powder is to be mixed with Haritaki 8s again it has to be cleansed with Pathya This is termed as Virecana 79 Then the same is to be saturated with the aromatic ingredients like Kunkuma This saturation is called Bhavana 80 Then the product is to be kept m two concave mud pots 85 boiled ; this is termed as Pacana or Paka 81 Then the paste of the products mentioned m Bhavana process is to be added, this is Bodhana,82 Again for perfuming the base substance, it has to be fumigated with Aguru, Sukti, Candana, Karpura & Mrgamada, this is Dhupana 83 79 goqj
3^21 T*mrcUc|lRull
||
dSTfi&T I
ddTdta gd8 JdS II ^ dSTtftd
^4 rM
dd8 taT qoc|^c|c||Ru|| |I rFT qsziTcPfl^
I W|^|
dcMc^UddH II Ibid 64-4b to 7
The Ho^Mwicis for processing in cosmetic 8s perfumery Industry are : dl'd'itcb 8s fcf^f leaves Vide
ariw^fcRejHT ’Pdcfi’ffrr
80cfcRg
I
45#T UoUMcdclIS II
26-444
^HlRHI I 4TddT dl 5n£MdT II VDP 64-8
81 ipr
3 ^4% 4iHHd.il I 3d8 gd8 II
dicld
cfcfT^^ni4n^4i^idl
wnd^rarH 82 dddj
Ids I
it w qi^fer 11 ibid 64-10,11
diddle cfojcbplu PldT-d^d I
cb^lqS ddT ^zr zftsR qMfddd II Ibid 64-12
83 dddj 3^1^ S=zi
g W|
ddstld g
I
eldtg
d^dFJdPTddS II
^dtdSRFT did dd dfefed W II Ibid 64-13,14
34
After Dhupana, the product is to be converted m to pills,these pills are again to be dipped m the perfume of Bakula.Jati & other aromatic flowers,this is called Vasanam 84 Further it is directed that these eight processes are to be performed m case of Niryasa (Exudation) and Puspa(flowers) and not m case of any other substances 85 Agnipurana (hereafter termed as AP)also mentions these processes with slight variation It reads sfrniw m ?$dd RiVhh i W tfd
dm P<£FT ddT II
dRFT %d ftfdS cFrfSdftd PJcPT I AP 224-20,2 la
No detail description of each process is found here m AP. Dhupas The word Dhupa is derived from the root ‘gf WIN + /w ‘3JW* It is very popular method 85 ancient practice of getting aroma The term Dhupa is explained m Kahka Purana (here after termed as KP)as under diRFRd cfimFI
i e When the aromatic substances are burnt, the fume which comes out from burning is called Dhupa It further adds that Dhupa appeases the gods 86 & has medicinal benefits too
87
Even the whole living creature is pleased with this
88
There are five ways of getting aromas for Dhupas They are (l)Niryasa (exudation) (2) Paraga (pollen) (3) Kastha (stick) (4) Gandha (concentrated aroma) & (5) Krtrima (artificial l e mixture of many items) VDP enlists twenty one Dhupadravyas They are
89
Nakha, Kustha, Ghana,
Mamsi.Sprkka, Saileyaka, Jala, Kunkuma.Laksa, Candana.Aguru, Nata, Sarala, Devakastha,Karpura,Karta,Bola,Kanduraka,Guggula,Srinivasaka & Sarjarasa 90 It is further said that the incenses should be created from the above substances directly without subjecting them to the earlier eight processes
91
Preparation method for making different incenses from any two of above ingredients with the essence of Saga by mixing with 86 ^tRT
I KP 73-34a
87
I Ibid 73-32b
88 2m
89
$T% gfe Wlf%
ww
cot
w
I Ibid 73-43a
^i
fBra%frT qo^cl SfTO ifflcmrs W li Ibid 73-43b 6g 44a
90
fS SFF 41# Ppi fl#W
^
wf:
I ^I
cfiTRfqnr W II li II VDP 64-20b to 22
These verses alsp appear in AP 224-23 to 25a 91
II VDP 64-19b
36
Nakha.Pmyaka & Malaya along with honey is also mentioned
92
KP gives following names of some different ingredients from the above list They are . Sncandana,Sarala,Sala,Krsnaguru,Udaya, Suratha, Skanda, Raktavidruma, Pitasala, Panmala, Vimardi, Kasala, Nameru,Devadaru, Bilva, Sara, Khadira, Santana, Parijata, Hancandana & Vallabha The Dhupa from above is
applicable to all
93
Further a categorical allotment is also seen Certain
regulations are also prescribed m using them.The Dhupakalpa of Kalika Purana is concluded with the statement Caturvargaprado Dhupah i e Dhupa
fulfills four aims of human life viz Dharma, Artha.Kama & Moksa Snana Dravyas ( Bath powders) -
Aromatised bathing powders were constituent of Cosmetics & Perfumery VDP mentions the ingredients to be used m baths They are - Tvaca, Jatiphala, Taila, Kunkuma, Granthiparnaka, Saileya, Tagara, Kastha, _ - 94
Tambula, Mamsi, Sarava, Kustha along with Kasturi
92 t £
MRTd tphtpl
yptim 93 ter
ddfR ifipT ddT II
fens ll VDP 64-23,24a - cf AP 224-26,27a Xt
9TW8 <£W|I^Wm II
Rd%T TFT w I qfPM fe$WT?Rd?IT II
%T3TM§ ddTdS
I
qifaldSS
II
^ SJRS trfWT iftta ^RdfelS I KP 73-35b to 38a
94dtw sneta ciw fgd uRsjwpti IRRt cPK im dF^ ddt ddT II Mid)
dlld
W Md£
MRFT WA dd dR
I || VDP 164-25 to 27a
37
AP (224-27b to 29) mentions Karpura instead of Tambula m the above list, others are being the same Gandhatailas or Scented Oils The Preparation of scented oils developed m India side by side with the preparation of medicinal oils The aromatic substances used m preparing the Gandhatailas have definite medicinal values Puranas also deal with the preparation details of scented oils A Gandhataila which is made up of Manjtstha, Tagara, Vyaghranakha, Bala, Nakha & Gandhapatra is mentioned m VDP & AP
95
Even the preparation details
of an oil of required aroma are mentioned
96
Mukhavasas or Mouth freshners Mouth freshners were also the part of ancient Perfumery They are prepared not only to freshen the mouth by removing bad odour (Mukhadurgandha Nivarana) but also to cure the mouth diseases Accordingly, the manufacturing details of small pills which are termed as Gutikas or Gulikas & to be kept m the mouth for freshening are given m VDP and AP The substances are
Eta, Lavanga, Kankola, Jatiphala,
Ntsakara along with Jatipatra , it is said “ these are the independent mouth freshners”.97 95
?FTT
M UJTSRRI ^ I
ipqq=r x(
II VDP64-31&AP 224-32
96 fter Mfeci m Ms g^iRidiRicis i tf£r
97 iJylM4^45^1 el 'dld^BlcWi
g
ll Ibid 64 -32
^ld)wPl§ll4)
38
The other substances mentioned for preparing pills are - Karpura, Kunkuma, Kanta, Mrgadarpa, Harenuka, Kankola, Ela, Lavanga.Jati, Kosaka, Patra, Truti, Musta, Lata, KastOrika, fruits & leaves of Jati & Katuka These are to be powdered
mixed with equal quantity of Khadira , then with the help of
85
98
Sahakararasa the pills are to be prepared mouth but also cure mouth diseases
They not only fragrant the
99
Similarly, preparation method of aromatised arecanut Dantakasthas
101
100
8s
is also mentioned Both VDP & AP give a charming
composition of Mukhavasa by using Tvak, Patra m equal quantities, Karpura -102
half of it along with Nagavalh.
Another brief information mentioned only m VDP is the manufacturing of dyed and perfumed cloth which is called Patavasa 103 98 cp|[fp
cfiRT
w
^
sraraagfteu
W W TFT cfifqcbFfl
q ||
!
11
m
ycb^ild
II
cfi^cZITg jtas pTS | VDP 64-37b to 40 & AP 224-35 to 38a
99
3#
fTCIM 39fNeRT?R18 || VDP 64-41a & AP 224-38b
100 33 R^nfvTcr
qoqq^ddlftuH |
jpm 3
101
ll VDP 64-41b, 42a & AP 224-39
q 4)3% ftT
^
3T4SH
102
3Q#|f%cf,'P[c63 II VDP 64-42b &43a&AP 224-39
fyd'4PII^3c?l I ^TlfcT
3
103
3^3
g^cT
3^dT#
II VDP 64-43 AP 224-41
qqT Pf9Tprl3iqVM^db^9
q §Tt^FT WH OT 11
cisr *T=rfrT q%
|
q ^(W#I
flfetoy imdctwiRi
I
^pt%8 9wi#i?i8 11 VDP 64-33b to 36a
39
The uniqueness of Kahka Purana lies m following information At the outset, KP describes the varieties and ways of gettmg Gandha It says -
wm
to
cfi
ddM^rclr I qr <|^|cb!^cf tiq cji ||
W W&ft dTft
trqqi |
TOS qoclte RPfdt ^fHT tflfadTOS II KP 73-37,38
The above verses explain the 5 varieties of Gandha viz (1) CUrnikrta (2) Ghrsta (3) Dahakarsita{4) Sammardajarasa 85(5) Pranyangodbhava The fragrant leaves are to be powdered 8s such variety being first is called Curnikrta Gandha 104 Ghrsta is a variety that can be obtained by rubbing the Malayaja (sandal tree), Aguru etc It is m the form of paste l e. Panka 105 Dahakarsita Gandha is a process of gettmg (feeling) aroma after burning the substance like Devadaru, Aguru etc 106 Sammardaja is a variety obtained by extracting the juices of Sugandha, Karavira, Bilva, Tilaka etc.107 104
tfFRPdm I dlft rf II
5RIWJI*I^«MHI
mRr msmift gs tar to sms pp i kp 73-39,40a
105 ^ WPifr W d spjdspjRremft TOt
106
II %s si^tarr I
fefag qReglRfas II Ibid 73-40b,41 totctritoits
d
1 tafrro
toit
w 11
TO IJ^TS dR<£lRidS I Ibid 73-42,43a
107
Ict^feR dm I SnjcffrT Tdt d
^
TOS
II Ibid 73-43b,44
40
Mail
II
The perfume obtained from animals is called Pranyangodbhava 108 It further states that all aromas can be felt & got through these five types only
109
The greatness of Malayaja Gandha is appreciated m the
following statement* Site tefe I KP 73-5la
Therefore, it is stressed that one has to offer preferably Malayaja no Gandha m worship. This is accepted for both gods & manes and in particularly god Visnu is pleased by offering this Stray references about the knowledge of Cosmetics 8s Perfumery are met m Srimadbhagavata Mahapuranam Here, we come across with a character by name Trivakra (popularly known as Kubja) a female attendent of Kamsa, whose duty was to prepare 8s take the unguents to him ; when Sri Krsna & Balarama have seen her, she was holding a vessel of unguents.112 Further, while Sri Krsna & Balarama were gomg to Mathura on road, they were offered 8s presented with the garlands, Tambula 85 Perfumes by the busmess class. d
108 to
The details on Cosmetics 8s Perfumery m Puranas can be concluded with the quotation of KP m following way : cJOTFT
Slfe *TCTI
TO&t TO ^ %§ flfclta II KP 73-55
Gandha fulfills the four ends of human life, Viz Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksa The above extracts on Gandhayukti in Puramk literature briefly represent the Indian knowledge of art 8s science of manufacturing the Cosmetics & Perfumes as current m medieval India. Some of details mentioned here resemble with the other texts The description of the different Gandha 8s their application m the worship of deities is sufficiently informative.VDP 8s AP give much importance to aspects of manufacturing,whereas KP gives importance to description 8s applicational aspects Thus, Puramk literature helped for the preservation of art 8s science of Cosmetics 8s Perfumery. 1.2.4 Arthasastram of Kauttlya Arthasastram of Kautilya is a systematic treatise dealing with the topics on administration. Basically this is composed for the sake of kings
114
Though it is a text on political ideology, it does contain the social
114
TOR STWTO faffc|8 fc\% I KA 2-10-42
42
order, their life styles prevailing in society. It has also noticed the «
facets of social life. Regarding the ideas on Cosmetics 8s Perfumery, the information is contained m I & II Adhikaranas. The king usually as a routine uses the perfumes 8s unguents and flower garlands It is said that female attendents of proven integrity should do the work of bath - attendants, shampooing, garland making etc 115 or artists supervised by them also can do it.116 They should offer garments and flowers after puttmg them to their eyes The unguents,perfumes, and bath-cosmetics are to be offered only after puttmg on their own bosoms and arms 117 Kauplya deals with aromatic woods in II Adhikarana The 11th chapter of II Adhikarana is termed Kosapravesyaratnapanksa
i
e examination of
precious articles to be recieved in to the treasury Kosadhyaksa
i
e
Superintendent of the warehouse is the head of this department 85 has to examine the quality of gems 85 other precious articles. In this context, Kautilya elaborately describes different variety of sandals 85 other aromatic trees, their colour, various smells 8e properties. He calls these perfumery articles as Sara 118 Further he classifies Candana in to 16 varieties, based on their geographical region 115 FTNcE
iJMlcblWi 5ISR
I KA 1-21-13
116c#T#felT WT f^lf^Ho I Ibid 1-21-13 117
l<4lHI^^
^1 Ibid 2-21-14
118 m
- #p commentary on KA 2-11-1
43
where it grows, colour & smell. They are * 1 Satana is from Satana country, red in colour & has the smell of earth 2 Gosirsaka is from Gosirsa country ; blackish red in colour & smell
like fish, it may also mean that the aroma is like red Karavira 3 Haricandanam is from Handesa, the parrot’s feather colour, mango smell 4 Tarnasa is from near places of river Trnasa, parrot's feather colour,
mango smell. 5 Grameruka is from Grameru red or black-red in colour; has the smell
of goat's urine 6 Daivasabheyam - from Devasabha red in colour, smell of lotus 7 Javaka is from Javakadesa, the colour being red & smell of lotus 8 Johgaka is from Jonga, is red or red-block & smooth 9 Taurupa - from Tarupa, red or black red in colour & soft 10 Maleyakam - from Mala, whitish red 11 Kucandanam- black like aloe or red or reddish black 12 Kalaparvatakam-from Kala mountain, reddish black or the colour
of saffron 13 Kosagaraparvatakam -from Kosagara mountain, black or black -
vangated 14 Sitodakiyam-from Sitodaka region, have the lustre of lotus or black
and smooth.
44
15 Nagaparvatakam -from Naga mountain, is rough, which has the colour of moss. 16
Sakalamfrom Sakata region, brown in colour.119
The commentator T Ganapathy Shastry m his
Srtmula
commentary
on AS says that the first 13(i.e from Satana to Kosakara)are belonging to Malaya120 & Javaka, Jongakam &Taurupam-these three belong to Kamarupa.121
Further Kauplya narrates the merits of Candana. He says an excellent Candana
perfumes, the urbane, cosmopolitan sophisticate cultivated his or her physical, mental and affective capacities in order to succeed in experiences of ‘pleasure’—which included the creation and enjoyment of beauty, the experience of passion and attachment, and the pursuit of courtship and seduction. The papers here contend that the literatures on pleasure, so conceived, were far more consequential in their implications for the lives of the elite in early India and more connected to wider domains of cultural practice than has been hitherto appreciated. The papers demonstrate that these sources have much to offer cultural and intellectual historians when submitted to nuanced contextualization and theoretically informed interpretation. Together, the essays in this issue advance the study of ka¯mas´a¯stra in several ways. First, they widen the scope of enquiry in relation to ka¯ma by postulating a wider range of practices that fall within its domain. Past commentators have generally understood the literatures of ka¯ma to be concerned strictly with acts related to sex and erotic love. This approach ignores a vast set of concerns within this literature which linked sexual pleasure with diverse issues, from domestic life, friendship and gender to material culture, cosmetics, and gardens. In the Ka¯masu¯tra, only one of its seven books treats the sex act itself. Later manuals likewise have much interaction with diverse domains of knowledge. We therefore propose a ‘ka¯ma world’ over a conceptualization of ka¯ma as sex or sexuality plain and simple. Second, the papers examine how the dynamics and contours of this world changed over time—both in practice and discourse—and suggest possible explanations for these transformations. Existing studies of ka¯mas´a¯stra have typically either confined themselves to a single text or merely noticed the difference between one text and the next rather than raise any questions about the evolution of the genre.1 Third, the essays explore the changing interfaces between ka¯ma and other aesthetic practices—some literary and some non-literary—which formed its ‘supports.’ As we shall see, ka¯ma was envisioned as a concern explicitly connected to a vast array of aesthetic activities and enjoyments, from perfume and ornaments to games and _ poetry. Considered ‘supporting’ knowledges (angavidya ¯ ) necessary for romantic accomplishment in the Ka¯masu¯tra, they were also widely understood as ‘arts’ (kala¯). Finally, the articles here implicitly address the wider significance of this ka¯mas´a¯stra as a whole, as well as the challenges and promises it offers in relation to key problems in the social and intellectual history of South Asia. The justification for such an expanded purview is justified by the ka¯mas´a¯stra texts themselves. In opening up the purview of ka¯ma to such a diverse range of aesthetic practice, the papers presented here hope to evoke, collectively, a ‘world’ which the authors feel manifestly palpable in the textual sources, though one which has been sidestepped by scholars whose concerns have been driven by different topical interests. Such historical evocations can sometimes run the risk of distortion in their reliance on particular sources (while implicitly de-emphasizing others). They also may portray given contexts with far greater coherence than may be sustainable. Some might even argue that any attempt to ‘recreate’ a world from the past is potentially epistemologically naı¨ve, always conveying more about the world of the authors than that of their subject of study. The papers here are very aware of 1
For a brief account of studies to date, see Wojtilla (1998).
123
Rethinking the History of the Ka¯ma World in Early India
3
the restricted provenance and rarefied contexts of the ‘world’ evoked by Sanskrit sources on aesthetics and pleasure. Yet this world of thought and practice, we contend, was far from inconsequential or trivial. Indeed, the aesthetic practices of elites in South Asia, as elsewhere, in time spread in complex ways far beyond the confines of the aristocracy, becoming both the basis and counterpoint for the emergence of later forms of aesthetic practice. And once again, conceiving of aesthetics as a practice extending beyond the formalist and literary preoccupations of much writing on the subject may help us understand these processes of dissemination and negotiation, though they do not form the specific concerns of the papers presented here. We also do not conceive of the ka¯ma world as a historically static and seamless entity, but one that changed substantially over time. Characterizing and understanding the shifting contours of this world are of central importance to at least two of the essays here. Whether we present a world more akin to our own preoccupations than those of the texts, is of course a difficult question, one which is perhaps unanswerable. Yet we feel strongly that the texts vindicate our intertexual and outward looking approach. We hope that it will add a substantially new perspective and impetus for the study of these texts. A brief review of past scholarship on ka¯ma and ka¯mas´a¯stra will suggest why this is the case. The earliest European interpretations of ka¯mas´a¯stra were made by Orientalist translators. Sir Richard Burton and Foster Fitzgerald Arbuthnot published transla_ _ in the 1880s for private circulation under tions of the Ka¯masu¯tra and Anangara nga the auspices of the ‘Hindoo Kama Shastra Society.’2 In the prefaces to these texts Burton and Arbuthnot, addressing an imaginary public for whom sexual morals were a matter of intense debate, made impassioned defenses for their publication against potential charges of lewdity. They claimed that their original intention had been to have the texts rendered into Latin to prevent their falling into the hands of the vulgar, but on further reflection, were convinced that there was nothing immoral in them and that they fared well against works by authors like Rabelais and Petronius widely available in Victorian London.3 They argued that the presentation of materials in their texts was more sober and realistic than those of their own society, which, overburdened by religious doctrines of sin, treated sex, when they managed to do so at all, either ‘jocularly’, or ‘with a tendency to hymn the joys of immorality and the gospel of debauchery’.4 Arbuthnot and Burton presented ka¯mas´a¯stra as an alternative to Victorian moral excess and compared the work to controversial scientific manuals on domestic life, female physiology, and sex published in nineteenth-century England by medical doctors.5 Moreover, they felt that such texts could, as ethnographic documents, afford considerable advancement to the growing science of human sexual behavior. These two images, as exotica
2
Doniger and Kakar, who provide an assessment of Burton and Arbuthnot’s efforts (2002, p. li) point out that they probably did not translate these texts themselves, but were heavily assisted by Indian pandits. Also see Grant (2005) on the Orientalist framing of the text.
3
See Arbuthnot and Burton (1964, p. 16).
4
Arbuthnot and Burton (1964, p. 10).
5
Arbuthnot and Burton (1883, p. 6). On the texts cited, see McGrath (2002, p. 47 ff).
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4
D. Ali
recording the sexual habits of an Oriental civilization and as evidence of a nonwestern humanistic approach to sex, formed the dominant interpretive frames inherited by later generations of scholars, psychologists, and medical doctors who introduced the texts of the genre. Within a decade of Burton and Arbuthnot’s translation, the first printed editions _ _ of both the Anangara nga and the Ka¯masu¯tra appeared, and were followed in ensuing decades by the publication of other ka¯mas´a¯stra texts. At the same time, various studies appeared on the subject of sex and marriage customs in traditional India, relying on ka¯mas´a¯stra as well as other sources.6 The intellectual concerns of these works were typically derived, as with those drawn upon by Burton and Arbuthnot, from concern over the sexual customs and the role of women in traditional India—including not only on sexual behaviors but female physiology and psychology. To the extent that such research portrayed an overall assessment of women in ancient India, it was also drawn into debates in nationalist circles from the 1930s around the ‘status of women’ in Hindu civilization. Among the most notable of the earlier studies on sexual life in ancient India was Richard Schmidt’s Beiträge zur Indischen Erotik (1911) which provided the first and to date most comprehensive survey of the genre of ka¯mas´a¯stra, including an extensive list of works, (most unpublished at the time and cited from manuscript collections) followed by a topical survey of key subjects of the s´a¯stra with relevant quotations from particular works. As more ka¯mas´a¯stra texts were published in the first half of the twentieth century, two approaches to the genre crystallized which largely extended the attitudes of Burton and Arbhuthnot. On the one hand, scholars of ancient Indian history used ka¯mas´a¯stra texts, particularly the Ka¯masu¯tra, as sources in the first forays into the writing of social and cultural history of ancient India. This was attempted as early as 1929 by H. C. Chakladar in a ground-breaking work on social history in ancient India based on Va¯tsya¯yana’s Ka¯masu¯tra.7 S. K. De’s important study of love in Sanskrit literature, published in the same year, drew heavily on ka¯mas´a¯stra and a revised edition included a separate treatment of it.8 These works in many ways carried on the concerns of earlier scholars writing on the ‘customs of the Hindus’, but gradually introduced more refined analytical questions, historically grounded interpretive frameworks and complex models of society. A major topic which animated some of this literature, but which generated its own robust activity, was the status of women in early India.9 By the 1960s social history was firmly established in the field and many scholars had adopted a more materialist framework toward sex and society. N. N. Bhattacharyya, writing in the 1970s sketched a vast overview of sexual mores in ancient India, which from the outset eschewed ‘the myth that Indian civilization was a concrete unity,’ to argue that erotic literatures in India documented a gradual and uneven shift from pre-Aryan matriarchal social 6
See Schmidt (1904) and Meyer (1915) and for a much later work in this tradition, see Fisˇer (1967).
7
Chakladar (1929).
8
Both included in De (1959).
9
Inaugurated by Altekar (1938) and extended by various scholars. For a review of the literature and discusson of more recent feminist historiography, see Roy (1999a).
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Rethinking the History of the Ka¯ma World in Early India
5
organization to patriarchal structures under the influence of Vedic society.10 While such approaches served to provide richer contexts for ka¯mas´a¯stra, they sometimes also had the tendency to dismiss the concerns of the genre as the idle fantasies of a ruling or feudal class.11 More recently, however, studies of gender in early India have provided substantially more complex analyses of the role of sex, reproduction and the female body in the context of patriarchal structures, though they have less often focused on ka¯mas´a¯stra as a genre.12 The more prevalent interpretation of ka¯mas´a¯stra, however, was unconnected to these historical studies. Following Burton and Arbuthnot, publishers cast them as Indian contributions to sexological science. Translators repeatedly emphasized their sober and scientific attitude, correlated their vocabulary with modern medical and anthropological lexicons, and often retained Burton’s comparative notes on sexual customs in other cultures. More nationalistically inclined scholars hailed the practical and modern outlook of the ka¯mas´a¯stra authors that seemed to counter colonial arguments about the inherent otherworldliness of Indian intellectualism. In the 1950s and 60s the scientific credentials of these translations were presumably furthered by the inclusion of short epigrams in their front matter prescribing their sale to specialists, or, as one edition put it, to ‘members of the medical and legal professions, scholars and research students of Indology, psychology and the social sciences.’13 Other translations received the benefaction or active involvement of medical or psychiatric professionals. The major English translation of Kokkoka’s Ratirahasya, for example, was undertaken by the noted gerontologist and sexologist Dr Alex Comfort, who provided it with an elaborate introduction.14 Such associations were particularly common in European and American editions during the 1960s and 70s, when elements of the medical establishment served as a sort of legitimizing voice for rapidly changing attitudes toward sex. This wider shift in attitudes, combined with the contemporary turn toward eastern spirituality, conspired to create a lively market for translations of Indian erotica. And all of this produced a seemingly heady vindication of Burton and Arbuthnot’s original casting of these texts. Their prefaces routinely appeared alongside the scholarly accolades of doctors and psychologists in the introductory material of the many reprints of the _ Ka¯masu¯tra and Anangaranga. These stereotypes even entered the filmic medium, when, in Girish Karnad’s rendition of the Mr: cchakat:ika, (Utsav, 1963), the venerable Va¯tsya¯yana (author of the Ka¯masu¯tra) humoursly appears as an eccentric sexologist, peering into the portals of brothels with a notebook in hand! The presuppositions of this framework, however, were implicitly called into question by the arguments of the French sociologist Michel Foucault in his unfinished History of Sexuality. Foucault argued that modern medical, psychological and 10
Bhattacharyya (1975, p. 6).
11
See, for example, Bhattacharyya’s scathing remarks on na¯yika¯bheda and ka¯mastha¯na (1975, pp. 104–105).
12
Notable exceptions are Roy (1998, 1999b) and to a lesser extent Shah (2002).
13
Included in Upadhyaya (1965, p. iv).
14
Comfort (1964, pp. 43–100), who went on to write the hugely popular and influential book The Joy of Sex (1972). Doniger and Kakar (2002, p. li, fn. 61) note that Comfort’s translation was probably not his own.
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6
D. Ali
juridical knowledges conspired to make ‘sexuality’ a determinative feature of individual human development and identity. Modern scientific practices, then, did not so much discover, repress, or liberate human sexuality as much as they actually called it into being. He argued that this was a substantial transformation and reorientation of earlier attitudes and practices prevalent in the Christian West, and in later volumes of his history sought to analyze the place of sex within the conceptual and ethical frameworks of Hellenic and Roman societies. Focault’s work inspired intense debate among scholars already working on issues of sex and sexual identity in classical and medieval western society, but had little impact on the study of ka¯mas´a¯stra.15 Though Foucault was not specifically concerned with non-European societies, he did make a broad historical distinction between what he called two ‘great procedures for producing the truth of sex’: ars erotica and scientia sexualis.16 While the latter of these, the ‘science of human sexuality’, was unique to the postmedieval West, Indian, Arab, Roman, and Chinese societies, for example, possessed traditions which understood sex as an ‘art of pleasure’. The distinction between the two, according to Foucault, was that scientia sexualis and its antecedents sought the ‘truth of sex’ in the laws of the individual human body and psyche, whereas ars erotica drew the ‘truth of sex’ from pleasure itself, with its own interior logic and esoteric structure. Though Foucault’s characterization of Indian discourses on sex is surely too generic, his wider distinction does underscore the historical novelty and specificity of scientia sexualis and its putative object of study, ‘sexuality.’17 While ka¯mas´a¯stra surely had features of an organized and systematic knowledge and thus resembled a science in its looser sense, it was neither based on a strictly empiricist epistemology, nor was it exclusively concerned with the physiological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of sex. The idea that Va¯tsya¯yana was a celebrant of ancient Indian sexuality or an Indian fore-runner to ‘sexologists’ like Havelock Ellis or Alex Comfort, thus, is not sustainable.18 Nor was ka¯mas´a¯stra and its allied knowledges linked to state institutions involved in the regulation of bodies and populations, a defining feature of modern ‘sexuality’ as described by Foucault.19 Even a basic familiarity with the early Indian materials immediately reveals that the institutional patronage, epistemological procedures, physiological, mental and moral assumptions, parameters of provenance, and sometimes even the practical ends of ka¯mas´a¯stra were often significantly different from those of modern psychology, medicine and sexology.
15
For Foucault-inspired debates on classical sexuality, see Halperin et al. (1990).
16
Foucault (1984, p. 57ff).
17
While Doniger and Kakar’s (2002, p. xv) criticism of Foucault as Eurocentric is fair insofar as Foucault’s remarks on non-Western traditions were largely programmatic and contrapuntal, their contention that ka¯mas´a¯stra shares elements of both scientia sexualis and ars erotica is less helpful. Recent attempts (Vanita and Kidwai 2001) to recuperate lesbian and gay identity and experience from early ka¯mas´a¯stra texts, while alerting us to important dimensions of same sex relations, are not entirely convincing. 18 On the epistemological operations of s´a¯stra, see Pollock (1985). 19 The application of Foucault’s notion of the medicalization of sexuality to early India by Sweet and Zwilling (1993, p. 607) is thus misplaced.
123
Rethinking the History of the Ka¯ma World in Early India
7
What useful insights, then, does Foucault’s History of Sexuality afford us? The suggestion of ‘pleasure’ as a rubric over ‘sexuality’ is fruitful. It helps us see that sexual pleasure in ka¯mas´a¯stra texts was at once both less and more than what is usually denoted by the term ‘sexuality’ in modern understandings. Sex, for example, was not deemed fundamentally essential or formative for individual identity and was neither an attribute rooted in the deep recesses of the human personality nor a biological essence to be probed, confined, or liberated. Ka¯mas´a¯stra texts tended to be framed by other concerns, the most general of which understood pleasure as one among three axiological arenas of human effort (known as the group of three, or trivarga, the others being politico-material gain and moral rectitude) which together were deemed to constitute an ethically complete life in the world. From this vantage point ka¯mas´a¯stra sought not to free human desires from social repression, but to provide an ethical/practical framework for the enjoyment of pleasures. The trivarga conceptualization was not an ethical vision without a history, and not one without its own inner tensions and debates.20 In some arenas sexual pleasure formed a topic of extended consideration and ideological investment. It is here that sex tended to be connected to other forms of knowledge, including wider discourses about pleasure and aesthetics typical of the courtly milieu. Sexual pleasure also came in later times to be associated with complex and sometimes esoteric anatomical maps of the body that connected to medical, astrological and religious knowledges.21 Throughout its history it is clear that ka¯mas´a¯stra addressed itself both to a restricted social milieu while at the same time authorizing a capacious set of wider objectives and supports. So despite its apparent autonomy as a sphere of human activity, ka¯ma was not abstracted into a special, sui generis, category in and of itself, but instead formed part of wider practices of aesthetic, material and ethical self-transformation. This, we feel, should form the basis of the study of the genre and has prompted our call for a ‘ka¯ma world’. Though there are several directions that beg further exploration from this perspective, the essays here take up two: the relation of ka¯ma to other domains of aesthetic pleasure, and the changing contours of the field of ka¯mas´a¯stra itself. Approaching ka¯ma as an aesthetic practice raises the complex issue of the relation of erotic love to early Indian aesthetic culture more generally. Though the close links between these domains have occasionally been remarked upon,22 recent work on Sanskrit literature gives us cause for revisiting this relationship. Sheldon Pollock’s groundbreaking scholarship on Sanskrit literary culture in classical and medieval India, for example, has significantly broadened traditional perspectives on literature by focusing our attention on the inner dynamics and social world of literary production.23 New interpretive frameworks like ‘literary culture’ and metahistorical processes like ‘cosmopolitanism’ and ‘vernacularization’, have 20
The idea seems to have emerged in the smr: ti period, and s´a¯stras very frequently consider the relative ordering of these domains—with the overwhelming tendency to place dharma above the others. On the ordering of the trivarga, see Rocher (1985) and Malamoud (1996). 21 A recent study by Das (2003) explores changing docrines of conception in ka¯mas´a¯stra and a¯yurveda texts. 22
See Warder (1972, p. 11ff.) and De (1959, p. 104).
23
Presented in a number of articles, but most forcefully in Pollock (2006).
123
8
D. Ali
substantially reinvigorated the field in ways which are still very much being worked out. Pollock’s oeuvre has decisively shifted focus away from the traditional analytical objects of religion and the state by insisting on the importance and irreducibility of aesthetic production as an integral element of elite culture. This itself has significant implications for the analysis of ka¯ma. Yet Pollock’s ideas of cosmopolitanism, vernacularization, and aesthetics more generally, have been consciously confined to the realm of the literary. There is, of course, some justification for this, as formal reflection on aesthetic experience was articulated most volubly in the 24 extensive and well defined field of Sanskrit poetics (alam : ka¯ras´a¯stra). But poetics hardly exhausts the realm of aesthetics more generally, and numerous discourses survive which conceive of aesthetic pleasure as proceeding from wider conceptions of sensory phenomena. The essays here make the case for extending the parameters of aesthetic experience, and consequently those of analytical scrutiny, beyond the confines of self-conscious literature. They suggest that a diversity of aesthetic practices formed important elements of elite self-regard, and were closely articulated with a diverse array of material objects as well as social relationships of various kinds. By attention to these realms of aesthetic experience, particularly as they pertain to ka¯ma—and keeping in mind their close relations with literary realms—the articles here attempt to extend research on aesthetics beyond its existing boundaries and to refine some of the groundbreaking insights of recent literary study. Accessing these realms of aesthetic experience, however, is a complex interpretive matter. This is the case for a number of reasons, not least being that erotic love formed the preferred subject of much literary composition. This of course underscores the importance of the topic for the ‘mental structures’ of early Indian society, and presents us with a panoply of highly mannered and conventionalized representations which themselves are worthy of study. But the relationships of such representations with social reality beyond these texts is often difficult to establish. Recourse to s´a¯stric texts is useful here. On the one hand, poets and poeticians would seem to depend on conventions of ka¯ma as found in ka¯mas´a¯stra. This is apparently confirmed by the treatises instructing poets, (alam : ka¯ras´a¯stra) which deploy the same terminology to refer to lovers (na¯yaka/na¯yika¯) used in the ka¯mas´a¯stra. Indeed, the authors of alam : ka¯ra treatises recommend the ka¯mas´a¯stra as one of the knowledges to be mastered by the competent poet, and commentators to Sanskrit literary works often display this knowledge. Moreover, as Patel demonstrates in his paper in this issue, the categories of ka¯mas´a¯stra were even deployed as critical schema for thinking about canon specification among literary critics and commentators more generally. Yet it would be overly simplistic to assume that the relationship was one way, for many early ka¯mas´a¯stra texts not only include poetic virtuosity as a supporting knowledge for the pursuit of ka¯ma, but borrow heavily from literary conventions in their own theories about love and lovers. Ali demonstrates the ways in which the author of the Na¯garasarvasva borrows heavily from literary traditions to supplement categories long familiar to ka¯mas´a¯stra. The relation between the genres was so close that some later ka¯mas´a¯stra texts like the
24
See particularly the treatment of the subject in Pollock (2001).
123
Rethinking the History of the Ka¯ma World in Early India
9
Ka¯masamu¯ha actually incorporate substantial numbers of subha¯s: itas from the ka¯vya traditions alongside traditional ka¯mas´a¯stric material. The entanglement between the realms of literature and ka¯ma, thus, is deep and mutually constitutive. There are of course other realms of sensual pleasure integral to the ka¯ma world to which discourses on poetics (alam : ka¯ras´a¯stra) were largely indifferent, but that were nevertheless pervasive in poetry itself. Here we may note the vast array of domains of body and material culture, including perfumes, exotics, horticulture, fabrics, foods, gems, ornamentation, cosmetics, unguents and coiffure, as well as specific practices, including processions, games, conversation, the use and interpretation of signals, the taking of wine and betel nut. While none of these realms generated a philosophically reflective discourse about aesthetic appreciation, they were nevertheless integral to the sensual experience of elites—poetic representations depict them as major preoccupations of the courtly nobility. Many formed the subject of distinct s´a¯stric treatises while others were included in the courtly and sumptuary compendia for kings and nobles composed throughout the second millennium CE. An earlier generation of scholars took interest in these worlds, and we hope to rekindle interest in these knowledges and practices as part of a more diversely conceptualized aesthetic culture in early India.25 McHugh’s essay in this volume draws our attention to a particular preoccupation of some ka¯mas´a¯stra texts which was shared by other medieval sumptuary and liturgical manuals: the acquisition and use of exotic commodities. These objects were not only themselves subject to a discourse of connoisseurship, but were closely imbricated with notions of power and cosmopolitan consumption. McHugh’s essay makes it clear that any notion of aesthetics in medieval India must take into account this material world. The other subject which these essays hope to address is the history of ka¯mas´a¯stra as a distinct field of knowledge. Presently, any such endeavor must be tentative at best, given our current knowledge of the texts and traditions in question. Despite the pioneering work done by Schmidt a century ago, only a handful of texts have been available in print until very recently—and our understanding of their provenance, authorship and chronology is often highly uncertain.26 Moreover, the study of ka¯mas´a¯stra has been dominated by work on Va¯tsya¯yana’s Ka¯masu¯tra, which has had the effect of obscuring the very substantial number of ka¯mas´a¯stra texts that survive from later times.27 The Ka¯masu¯tra’s prominence is partly because it has been touted as the earliest and most authentic specimen of the ka¯mas´a¯stra discovered to date.28 It is also because the Ka¯masu¯tra was associated with the humanist values of ‘classical’ India rather than the degenerate traditions of later, medieval times.29 The later ka¯mas´a¯stras, to the extent that they have come under any scrutiny 25
See Gode (1960–) and Agrawala (1969).
26
Important is the publication of Shastri (1967).
27
The only exception to this is the encyclopedic work of Schmidt (1922). Bhattacharya (1975, pp. 102–122) and Comfort (1964, pp. 83–107) have very brief discussions of later literature. 28
The Ka¯masu¯tra names a number of earlier authorities which have not survived as separate works, thought they continue to be mentioned by later works in the field. For a treatment of pre-Va¯tsya¯yana works, see Agrawala (1983).
29
See the remarks of Gupta (2002, p. 47).
123
10
D. Ali
at all, have been deemed demotic, vulgar or even puritanical renditions of an earlier classical tradition marked by an open vision toward human sexuality. W. G. Archer, in introducing Comfort’s translation of the Ratirahasya, asserts that in medieval India, with the living conditions being ‘much harsher. . .Morals were tighter. There was more strain’.30 Such interpretations have relied heavily on tropes of ‘medieval decline’, Islamic moral conservatism, and later even ideas of Victorian prudery which have long been complicated and challenged by historians. With renewed research and interest in culture and society in the second millennium CE, these narratives seem more like substitutes than tools for deeper analysis. One important point worthy of reconsideration is the pre-eminent status given to Va¯tsya¯yana’s Ka¯masu¯tra in the history of ka¯mas´a¯stra. When colonial authors encountered this literature, it was the later treatises that constituted the standard configuration of knowledge on ka¯ma. Indeed, the first text encountered (and published by) Burton and Arbuthnot, under the title Ka¯ma S´a¯stra, was not the Ka¯masu¯tra, but a _ _ by Kalya¯n: amalla. In a later release of this fifteenth-century treatise, the Anangara nga work under its proper title, the translators noted that it was commonly called ‘Koka Pandit’ after a popularly ascribed author and that ‘lithographed copies have been printed in the hundreds of thousands, and the book is in the hands of both sexes and all ages, throughout the nearer East and possibly it may extend to China and Japan.’31 While the latter of these claims may be difficult to substantiate, together they suggest two points. First, that by the end of the nineteenth century there seems to have been a conflation between Kalya¯n: amalla and Kokkoka, author of the more widespread work known as the Ratirahasya. This conflation was noticed by Schmidt, writing several years later, who observed further that the authorship of Kokkoka or ‘Koka’ was so popular that the term ‘Kokas´a¯stra’ came to denote the genre of ka¯mas´a¯stra itself.32 Second, and more importantly, the Ratirahasya, Anan_garan_ga and other later treatises seem to have circulated very widely and held great influence. This is clear enough from Schmidt’s work, which noted a vast array of texts using manuscripts and manuscript catalogues. Some of these later texts were also translated into vernaculars. Often associated with the name ‘Koka’, they appeared in popular print editions and pamphlets in the early twentieth century—and had their own interesting histories in the emerging vernacular language public spheres.33 Indeed, while Va¯tsya¯yana and his Ka¯masu¯tra were not unknown, treatises like the Ratirahasya and Na¯garasarvasva seem to have exerted more influence throughout the second millennium both within and beyond the ka¯mas´a¯stra tradition.34 Literary commentaries written in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, for example, routinely cite these texts rather than the Ka¯masu¯tra when referring to 30
Archer (1964, p. 21). For a more recent (and sweeping) version of this argument, see Zysk (2002, pp. 4–5). 31
Arbuthnot and Burton (repr. 1964, pp. 14–15.).
32
Schmidt (1922, p. 64); see aslo Comfort (1964, p. 54).
33
For a discussion of sex manuals published in Hindi, see Gupta (2002, pp. 49–66, esp. p. 53, fn. 80).
34
The sixteenth-century Kandarpacud: a¯man: ¯ı, for example, was a verse rendition of Va¯tsya¯yana’s treatise.
123
Rethinking the History of the Ka¯ma World in Early India
11
technical aspects in ka¯mas´a¯stra.35 When the fifteenth-century poet Ananta compiled his Ka¯masamu¯ha (‘Anthology on Ka¯ma’) from earlier authorities, he included substantial material from the Ratirahasya and Na¯garasarvasva, but none from Va¯tsya¯yana’s text.36 One reason for this may have been a change in the style of ka¯mas´a¯stra texts. While Va¯tsya¯yana’s text is a su¯tra composition consisting mostly of short prose sentences (with occasional verses at the conclusion of each chapter), the vast majority of later ka¯mas´a¯stras are composed entirely in verse.37 It would seem that like nı¯tis´a¯stra, the latter day history of ka¯mas´a¯stra was stylistically and thematically intertwined with the growth and evolution of ka¯vya. Their verse form made them more prone to extraction, citation, and circulation and it is thus not surprising that medieval subha¯s: ita anthologies included verses from the authors of these treatises considerably more frequently than material from the Ka¯masu¯tra.38 Indeed, it could be argued that t is through such verses that ka¯mas´a¯stra retained strong avenues of interaction with other spheres of literary and intellectual production. This inversion of chronological emphasis within the tradition demands greater attention to world of medieval ka¯mas´a¯stra. It has long been noted that new categories of lovers, concepts of the body and magical doctrines seem to be introduced into later texts. Recently, Kenneth Zysk has even proposed the emergence of a related but distinct tradition of ‘ratis´a¯stra’ centered around the conjugal couple and reproduction.39 The essays of Desmond and Ali take two different methodological approaches to the problem of accounting for change within the ka¯mas´a¯stra tradition. Desmond surveys the vast panoroma of ka¯mas´a¯stra and the changing subjectivities that it interpolated over time, while Ali looks closely at a single text, the Na¯garasarvasva of Padmas´rı¯, to assess the configuration of the s´a¯stra and its relations to other knowledges, particularly aesthetic and tantric knowledges, at a particular moment in time. Both essays are concerned with the changing relations between ka¯mas´a¯stra and the social world as well as its relationship with other fields of knowledge and practice.
References Agrawala, P. K. (1983). The unknown Kamasutras: Being an anthology of the ancientmost love-aphorisms of seers of the tradition and its expositors. Varanasi: Prithivi Prakashan. Agrawala, V. S. (1969). The deeds of Harsha: Being a cultural study of Ba¯n: a’s Harshacarita. Varanasi: Prithvi Prakashan. Arbuthnot, F. F., & Burton, R. (1883). Preface. In F. F. Arbuthnot & R. Burton (Trans.), The Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana. London: Hindoo Kama Shastra Society. Arbuthnot, F. F., & Burton, R (repr. 1964 [1885]). Preface. In F. F. Arbuthnot & R. Burton (Trans.), The Ananga Ranga or the Hindu art of love. New York: Lancer. 35
These citations are frequently mentioned in discussions about the dating of later ka¯mas´a¯stras. See entries for specific texts in Schmidt (1922).
36
See Pathak (2008, pp. 254–266).
37
A shift which may be noticed in various s´a¯stric literatures, most notably nı¯ti/artha. Notable exceptions include the unusual but probably comparatively recent and related texts Pauravamanasijasu¯tra and Ka¯dambarasvı¯karan: asu¯tra attributed to king Pururavas 38 Compare, for example, the appearance of verses in medieval anthologies attributed to Kokkoka and Padmas´rı¯ to those attributed to Va¯tsya¯yana. Sternbach (1978, s.v.). 39
See Zysk (2002, pp. 9–14).
123
12
D. Ali
Archer, W. G. (1964). Preface. In A. Comfort (Trans.), The Koka Shastra: Being the Ratirahasya of Kokkoka and other medieval indian writings on love. London: Allen and Unwin. Bhattacharyya, N. N. (1975). A history of indian erotic literature. Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal. Chakladar, H. C. (1929). Social life in ancient India: Studies in Va¯tsya¯yana’s Ka¯masu¯tra. Calcutta: Greater India Society. Comfort, A. (Trans.). (1964). The Koka Shastra: Being the Ratirahasya of Kokkoka and other medieval indian writings on love. London: Allen and Unwin. Das, Rahul, P. (2003). The origin of a life of a human being: Conception and the female according to ancient indian medical and sexological literature. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass. De, S. K. (1959). Ancient indian erotics and erotic literature. Calcutta: Firma K.L. Mukhopadhyay. Doniger, W., & Kakar, S. (2002). Introduction. In W. Doniger & S. Kakar (Trans.), The Kamasutra. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Fisˇer, I. (1967). Indian erotics of the oldest period. Praha: Universita Karlova. Foucault, M. (1984). The history of sexuality, Vol. 1: An Introduction. (R. Hurley, Trans.). New York: Penguin. Gode, P. K. (1960, 1961, 1969). Studies in indian cultural history (3 Vols.). Horshiarpur: Vishveshvaranand Indological Institute. Grant, B. (2005). Translating the Kamasutra. Third World Quarterly, 26(3), 509–16. Gupta, C. (2002). Sexuality, obscenity, community: Women: Muslims and the Hindu public in colonial India. New York: Palgrave. Halperin, D., Winkler, J., & Zeitlin, F. (Eds.). (1990). Before sexuality: The construction of erotic experience in the ancient greek world. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Malamoud, C. (1996). Semantics and rhetoric in the Hindu hierarchy of the ‘aims of man’. In C. Malamoud (Ed.), Cooking the world: Ritual and thought in ancient India. Delhi: Oxford University Press. McGrath, R. (2002). Seeing her sex: Medical archives and the female body. Manchester: Manchester University Press. Meyer, J. J. (1915). Das Weib im Altindischen Epos. Leipzig: Heims. Pathak, A. S. (Ed. and Trans.) (2008). Ka¯ma Samu¯ha of Srı¯ Ananta Kavi. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Samsthan. Pollock, S. (1985). The theory of practice and the practice of theory in Indian intellectual history. JOAS, 105(3), 499–519. Pollock, S. (2001). The social aesthetic and Sanskrit literary theory. Journal of Indian Philosophy, 29, 197–229. Pollock, S. (2006). The language of the gods in the world of men: Sanskrit, culture, and power in premodern India. Berkeley: University of California Press. Rocher, L. (1985). The Ka¯masu¯tra: Va¯tsya¯yana’s attitude toward Dharma and Dharmas´a¯stra. JOAS, 105(3), 521–29. Roy, K. (1998). Unraveling the Kamasutra. In M. E. John & J. Nair (Eds.), A question of silence: The sexual economies of modern India. Delhi: Kali for Women. Roy, K. (Ed.). (1999a). Women in early indian societies. Delhi: Oxford University Press. Roy, K. (1999b). The King’s household: Structure/space in the Sastric Tradition. In U. Chakravarti & K. Sangari (Eds.), From myths to markets: Essays on gender. Delhi: Manohar, IIAS. Sastri, D. (Ed.). (1967). Ka¯makuñjalata¯ (A collection of rare works on Ka¯ma s´a¯stra). Varanasi: Chowkhambha Sanskrit Series Office. Schmidt, R. (1904). Liebe und Ehe im alten und modernen Indien. Berlin: Verlag von H. Basdorf. Schmidt, R. (1922 [1911]). Beiträge zur Indischen Erotik: Das Liebesleben des Sanskirt Volkes. Berlin: Verlag von H. Basdorf. Shah, S. (2002). In the business of Kama: Prostitution in classical Sanskrit literature from the seventh to thirteenth centuries. Medieval History Journal, 5(1), 121–56. Shastri, D. (1967). Ka¯makuñjala¯ta¯. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Series. Sternbach, L. (1978). A descriptive catalogue of poets quoted in sanskrit anthologies and inscriptions (2 Vols.). Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz. Sweet, M., & Zwilling, L. (1993). The first medicalization: The taxonomy and etiology of queerness in classical Indian Medicine. The Journal of the History of Sexuality, 3(4), 590–607. Upadhyaya, S. C. (1965). The Hindu secrets of love: Kokashastra (Rati Rahasya) of Pandit Kokkoka. Bombay: D. B. Taraporevala Sons and Co. Vanita, R., & Kidwai, S. (2001). Same-sex love in India: Readings from literature and history. Delhi: Macmillan. Warder, A. K. (1972). Indian Ka¯vya literature (Vol. 1). Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
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Rethinking the History of the Ka¯ma World in Early India
13
Wojtilla, G. (1998). Ka¯mas´a¯stra—A short report on stand, methods, and tasks of researh. In J. Vace & J. Dvorak (Eds.), Trends in Indian Studies: Proceedings of the ESIS. Prague: Charles University Press. Zysk, K. (2002). Conjugal love in India: Ratis´a¯stra and Ratiraman: a. Leiden: Brill.
123
II Chapter Specific Sources Of Cosmetics & Perfumes 2.1 Ayurveda
Caraka Sarphita, Susruta Samhita, Astahgahrdaya of Vagbhata,
Cakradatta of Cakrapanidatta, Sarngadhara Samhita,
2.1 Ayurveda Everybody's aim is to live a happy life Therefore, all human activities are destined towards the happiness Accordmgly Astanga Hrdaya,a treatise on Ayurveda, mentions Ucfydfli
TO
I
AH SO 2-20
Sukha includes sensual enjoyment through worldly pleasures. For enjoymg all these one must have sound body 85 mmd Ayurveda, the world's oldest existing Health Care System, is aiming at alleviating the suffering and helps to live a healthy, virtuous, wealthy & happy life. Thus, the purpose of Ayurveda is twofold1)
1 e curing the disease
2) FR2JFT TSTnjotT 1 e. maintenance of healthy life in order to prevent diseases 1 Ayurveda for its medicmes depends largely on plant kingdom and minerals Some animal products are also used. They are used either individually or m combination. The consumption of these substances mcreases resistance, strength, intellect & longevity and delay in aging process. Hence they are also designated as Rasayanas. Moreover, some of them are used as stimulaters of sex desire, sex vigour, fertility and
1 gar
' 3?
anfeqRte, Tmw 74
1 ss su 1-14
to cure sterility and other disorders related to sex. Hence they are also called Vajikarana drugs In this background, Ayurveda is very much related to improve overall physical, mental quality of a person The products used as nutritives have the cosmetic 8s perfumery values too. Thus, there is a direct relationship between the Ayurveda and Gandhasastra i.e the science of Cosmetics 8s Perfumery. The herbal
products - m the form of Svarasa i.e. expressed juices, Kalka i.e pastes, Kvatha i.e.decoctions, Hima 1 e. cold infusions, Phanta i.e hot Infusions
and Curna i.e. powders - play a major role m cosmetic and perfumery Industry. So a survey is undertaken to glance the medicinal literature m this background. According to Ayurveda, Beauty is not mere a cosmetic event. It mcludes all other factors like food, genetics, environment etc. It also advises that the entire body acts as one unit. Therefore, Ayurveda prescribes to maintain a good health which is root cause of beauty by practising an orderly life style This is termed as Dinacarya i.e. daily routine Dinacarya (Daily Regimen) -
As said earlier, Svasthasya Pariraksanam i.e maintenance of healthy life is one of the purposes of Aryurveda. Susruta prescribes some remedial
measures m Cikitsasthana as Dinacarya so as to prevent the diseases yet to arise. He designates it Anagatabadhapratisedha(Ch 24) l e prevention of disorders yet to arise Susruta says . 75
'Held ^eR^MKi^P-l^cll I #TdT
deSW TO^rT II SS Cl 24-3
In addition to that following daily regimen is prescribed for preventing the diseases. They are • l)Dantadhavanam-Brushing of teeth with the twig of certain trees 2} Jivhvamrlekhanam - Cleaning the tongue with tongue-scraper made of
gold, silver or wooden 3) Snehagandusadharanam - Washing the mouth with Oil Gargling 4) Mukhanetrapraksalanam - Face wash & Eye wash with cool water or
with Amalaka, Lodhra & Ksiravrksakasaya 5) Ahjanam - Applying collynum to the eyes 6) Tambulam -Chewing of betel-leaf with a view to rendering the mouth
clean & fragrant 7) Sirobhyanga -Massaging the head with oil for keeping the hair healthy
wherein medicated & perfumed oils are used. 8) Kesaprasadhanam - Combing of hair for removing dirt & lice from the
head 9) Karnapuranam - Filling the ear with oil in order to avoid Kamasula i e ear
diseases 10) Abhyanga - Anointing the body with oil which keeps the skin smooth
8s healthy and is invigorating
76
11) Vyayama-Physical exercise for ensuring all-round health & well being 12) Udvartana - Massaging various parts of body unth unguent 13) Udgharsana & Utsadana - Scrubbing and rubbing the body with brick
bat or smooth stone for removing the dirt sticking to various parts of the body 14) Snanam - Bathmg with warm water (A caution is given that hot water
should not be used for washing the head as it may hurt the eyes) 15)
Anulepanam - Anointing the body with sandal paste or any other cosmetic products
and gems. 17) Mukhalepah - Smearing the face with face powder or cream 18) Padatranadharanam - Wearing shoes 19) Kesanakharomapamarjanam - Hair dressing & painting of nails. 20) Banavaram - Putting on armour for personal protection 21) Usntsam - Putting turban on the head 22) Chatradharanam- Using umbrella 23) Dandadharanam- Walking stick use 24) Balavyajanam- Using chownes or fan 25) Samvahanam- Pressing the body 26) Kale Nidrasevanam -Sleeping at appropriate time
77
Though all of the above mentioned activities are not directly related to Cosmetics & Perfumes, m some of these activities the cosmetic & perfumery products are used They are * 1) In Dantadhavanam.the twigs of Nimba, Khadira, Madhuka &Karanja are used as they have Tikta, Kasaya, Madhura & Katu properties in them respectively 2 Caraka advices that a green twig which is crushed at the proximal end 8s is of the Kasaya (astngent) Katu (pungent) or Tikta (bitter) taste should be used for brushing twice a day without injuring the gums.3 2) In Mukhapraksalanam, the decoction ofLodhra or Amalaka is used, or with cold water only. 4 3} Ahjanam is one of the important activity of make-up 2wm WfC ta
4xpl> *ppt
4ft
I ii
CR33TS cfigcp flSJT |
ISctfBdl of cTCTfftflT and
ttlfow frsfa^l SS Cl 24-6,7,8
of M£l4T mention the preparation of perfumed tooth sticks
for brushing 33*]qtf§lcTO
It cR# obt||£(cbd^cWchH |
idr cR#?itpcRiT i cfi^ireRTg II 9TFRT
4 ftwk«b*6||
$
dNdfcl'yT pTS I CS Su 5-71bto74a
c$c|IH?|ct*4 ctf |
JraW^HUsf ^ ^R«TI ?hdiecbH cJT II SS Ci 24-15b&16a
78
4) In Tambulam, the ingredients like Karpura, Jatiphala, Kakkola, Lavanga and Katuka along with the powder of Puga are used 5 Tambulam tends to cleanse the mouth, imparts sweet aroma, enhances brightness 8s cleanses 8s strengthens the voice, the tongue,the teeth, the jaws 8s the sense organs 6 5) In Sirobhyanga, an oil made up from mixing equal quantity ofMadhuka, Ksirasukla, Sarala,Devadaru etc is used;7 even the benefits ofAbhyanga are also mentioned.8 6) InAnulepanam, the paste of Candana is used The process of Mukhalepana, being a constituent of Anulepanam, has many cosmetic benefits 9 Thus, Cosmetics & Perfumes play an important role m a healthy routme of a man
5
I qw dFf-R ^ II SS Ci 24-21
6 3^9l^^cblRl^Bcl4)Kcb*i; | II Ibid 24-22 7
$kgcR?iT g w
*r I
ModdH'R WlFTlftr Whf II
cjwcbewwiwn ^4
f^qwild I *\
3RTPpf clW lOTJci II Ibid 24-27,28
8 3I^j|r Ml4c|cb
9
i 3WiiFteeb qjRT
II Ibid 24-65
79
Rtucarya (Seasonal Regimen) -
There is a very intimate relationship between the individual and environment Seasonal changes 8s climatic conditions have a direct impact on health system Ayurveda advises us to recognize & respond to the environmental changes 85 maintain an equilibrium withm the body. This is called Rtucarya. According to climatic variations, ancient Indians have classified the seasons m to six. They are Hemanta, Sisira, Vasanta, Grlsma, Varsa & Saradrtu Hemanta & Sisira are cold seasons; Grisma is hot, Varsa is rainy season; Sarad and Vasanta are moderate. There are changes of Dosas m the
body by seasonal variations over which there is no human control , whereas, it is possible to keep the variations of Dosas to the minimum by changing the mode of living. The balancing measures are in the form of Ahara{diet), l///?ara (exercise) and Paaca/carma(purifactory measures). These measures
prevent diseases and promote the health. Here the abundant usage of cosmetic 8s perfumery products is found Vagbhata,in his Astangahrdaya, prescribes six recipes as facials for six seasons m which many cosmetic items are mcluded. They are enumerated as under which are commencing from Hemantartu
•
1) Mixture ofKola seeds, root ofVrsan, Sahara, Gaurasarsapa (white mustard) are to be used in Hemanta
80
2) Simhi root, Krsnatila, bark of Dan/I and dehusked Yava in Sisirartu 3) Darbha root, Hima, Usira, Sirisa, Misi and Tandula in Vasantartu 4) Kumuda, Utpala, Kalhara, Durva, Madhuka and Candana in Grismartu 5) Kaliyaka, Tila, Usira, Marpsi, Tagara and Padmaka in Varsartu 6) Tahsa, Gundra, Pundra, Yasti, Kasa, Nata and Aguru in Saradrtu 10 He further explains the benefit derived from such application m the following verse.
cRH WiqR^IH ScRPT
II AH .Su 22-22
te. Those who are habituated to apply the paste of drugs on the face, the vision becomes clean, the face never dull, it becomes soft and brilliant and resembling a lotus flower. Vagbhata m his Astahga Sangraha mentions following recipes
as
Anulepanas m various seasons: i)
One should besmear one's body either unthKunkuma and Aguru alone in Sitartu
One should take bath, wear ornaments, wear garlands and besmear
n)
one's body with Candana and Aguru in Vasantartu
io
i
wciis n
i
WZ
-
II AH Su 22-19to23a
81
hctfjs ii
m) One should wear the bracelets made up offibres of Padma stalk and besmear one's body with Candana in GrJsmartu It is also advised to besmear the body with a paste of Karpura & Candana in this season iv)
One should rub one's body, massage it, take bath, take Dhupa and apply a plaster ofAguru on the body in Varsartu
v) One should wear clean, tight clothes, garlands in the neck and apply the paste of cool Usira on the body in Saradrtu 11 Ydgaratnakara(l8th century text on Ayurveda by an anomymous author) gives 3 formulations as body salves for winter, summer 8s rainy season m the following way: (i) The cream made up of Kuhkuma, Candana and Krsnaguru is good for winter as it has warming effect12 (u) Sandal, camphor and Valaka paste is very fragrant and has very good cooling effect in summer13 (m) Candana,Ghusma & Mrganabhi combination is advised for rainy season which is neither warm nor cool.14 Thus, a good diet & personal hygiene give the desired results m beauty perfections 11 Herbal Cosmetics m Ancient India Kunda B Patkar & P V Bole pp 49&50 12 fp
gift
l
3®T
dftairr || YR 85
13 g^g ggftfti WT 14 g^FT
g
*\
I
rlftaic! I! Ibid 86 i^uiftcf
pgftragiggg I
g gftg g g #g gr ggftit
ii ibid 87
82
Moreover, Susruta m the 46th chapter of Sutrasthana mentions the medicinal properties of several flowers and roots many of which fall m the categoiy of fragrant substances.15 There are many formulations m Ayurvedik texts consistmg of (A) Mukhalepanas(facials) (B)
unguents)
85
Ldmasafanas(depilatones) (C) Anulepanas(body
(D) Kesaprasadhanas(hair applications) The reference
material, for enlisting the formulations, is taken from Susruta Samhita (1st C.A D.), Astangahrdaya(Later half of 5*0 A.D ), Cakradatta (11* C A D ), Bhaisajya Ratnavali{ 12th CAD), Sarngadhara Samhita[14th C A D ) & Bhavaprakasa(l6* C.A D )
(A) Mukhalepah (Facials) Sarngadhara Samhita gives three synonyms as Lipta, Lepa and Lepana
for Mukhalepa and classifies it mto 3 groups. They are : (1) Dosaghna Lepah (ii)Visaha Lepah and (m)Varnya lepah
16
(I) Dosaghna is anti Dosik 1 e curing all types of swellings, boils, bad ulcers etc The thickness of the applicable paste for this is % Angula
(II) Visaha Lepah is anti poisonous which acts against the oedema caused by contact ofpoisionous tree gums like Bhallataka or insect stings etc It is 1/3 Angula in thickness.
15 GSGV • R T Vyas p 25 16
w
^TRift feat
few
fewi 1 11 shs 3-11-1
83
(m) Varnyalepah is cosmetic application over the face to improve colour
and complexion. ItisVz Angula in thickness 17 These Mukhalepas are effective so long as they are wet and once they dry up they will harm the skin 18 Ayurvedlyam Navanitakam, an Ayurvedik text of 200 A D , gives an interesting following guideline as regards to Mukhalepa3#
T
WTd FWT ^ d*IT
'fF’fr
rfMd I II ANI-101
i.e.when a facial is applied, he should neither laugh nor weep, should not sleep or eat, should not be heated through fire & should not keep the facial if it is dried Intoto, Mukhalepa is a facial treatment m which a person's face is cleansed by using creams, m order to improve the quality of the skin of the face. Generally, Mukhalepas are m the form of (i) Mukhakantikaralepa i e. general face salve for improving the complexion of the face, (n) formulations for curing Mukhadusikas{acne),19 (in) for curing 17 ElMHIuiWpf’TSqfg^lsRIg | SHS 3-ll-2a 18
an^rafrt ^sftPT II Ibid 3-ll-2b dMNcbiST supports this idea as under dwldd) *n^RT IpRjj
together & applied for seven nights, the face will bear the lustre of the moon23 (c) The application of plaster composed of Vaca, Siddhartha
Lodhra, Saindhava
is recommended in case ofpimples , even they can be
prescribed as Emetics24
ftrR timers I
20
304FM tef
and
WflT TO j
21 <£W|I)cj JUT te
I
2# oq^ dte&T II BP 2-61-37 ?IT
fop I Ibid 2-61-38
ter 30
n cd 55-52
23
I foH ter *T 43d 9lftl5PT tIHte II Ibid 55-51& BR 60-45
24 tateratetete
stew 1
4440^ Pterrg tefiT teterwr 11 ibid 55-43
WT gives following idea in this regard
ter toter fateter teri tei^r teltertrs tenters 11 su ci 20-37
85
(d) The application of plaster composed of Kustumburu, Vaca, Lodhra and Kustha together is recommended for pimples.25 (e) In the problem ofPadmmi Kantaka the remedy is A decoction ofNimba should be given as an emetic and the patient should be made to drink a potion of clarified butter cooked with a decoction ofNimba and mixed with honey ; further a decoction of Nimba and Aragvadha should be applied for affected area26 (f) A paste of Lodhra,Vaca and Dhanyaka, ifapplied, removes the pimples Another combination is Marica & Gorocana which is equally efficacious27 (g) By the application of Rodhra, Kustumburu and Vaca, the pimples & marks on the face would be cured Similar effect can be obtained if the plaster ofVata leaves & Narikela coir is applied. 28 (h) Any one of the following can cure black -spots, marks, specks etc (I) Kola seeds & Guda pounded in blood ofSasa and honey. (II) Kustha which has been soaked inMatulunga juice pounded withMadhu (III) Musali roots pounded in goat's milk & honey
25
rUFFT fow I SU Ci 20-38a
26
I rfor fog fow^forscjwcfit
srciq^foii
ifor II Ibid 20-38b 8s 39
vide also m dfWd : fo^EoFT cPH qffoffo'JZHfc
I fofo^efiejicT flfoi
Tfofo fffo ifadS I 27
Jpgrfo foff II CD 55-21&22
I
c|
II
II Ibid 55-42
II AH US 32-3
86
(iv)
Gorasthi and Musali root pounded with clarified butter & honey 29
(1) Pound together Yava,Sarjarasa,Rddhra,Usira,Madana,Madhu,Ghrta and Guda,
The bulk should be cooked well in cow's urme.When this applied, the blackishness etc. disappear The face would like lotus flower petals 30 if One should besmear one's face with the paste of Jatiphala,this removes tan & black spots from the face Applying Katutaila to the face in the evenings also makes the face beautiful31 (k)
A paste prepared from Pannatadadhi i e sour curds, Sarapunkha.Dala, Kuvalaya, Kustha, Candana
Usira gives complexion to the face & cures
&
moles and specks(small stain on the face)32 (l) Roots of Matutunga, Sarpi (clarified butter), Sila and Gosakrtrasa (fluid
coming out from cow-dung) are to be mixed & such a paste gives lustre to the face & cures face marks 33
29*1338 ciJl^atwi srcn^tsaSf^rcis I fS dT fair dT sptwit
II 1 II AH US 32-20&21
30 ddig d^far
rKd qg I
gn c^tfcT
d^d^ II Ibid 32-25&26 Mcd|iRdi9Fr§ I
31
32
:%\
g^cbHdcblSRlchld 33
Rm
II Ibid 55-54 dt9Tfdt *d§l
gycblR|ob(l #T8 fediT fd^diWRld; II Ibid 55-48
87
(m) A plaster composed of Raktacandana, Manjistha, Kustha, Lodhra, Priyangu,
tender buds ofVata and Masura (a type of nee) removes black spots from the face & skin becomes beautiful34 (n) Bark ofArjuna or Manjistha or ashes of hoofs of a white horse mixed
with honey or butter, forms a good paste for dark patches 35 (o) Milky latex ofArka along with two types ofHaridra is rubbed and applied
to the face, which is effective in removing old black patches 36 (p) Ripened leaves ofVata, Malati, Raktacandana, Kustha, Kahyaka and Lodhra
made into paste removes pimples & patches on the face 37 (q) Laksa,Rddhra,Haridra & Daruharidra,Sila,Alam(Orpiment) Kustha,Naga,Gamka, Varnaka, Manjistha, Ugra, Saurastra-udbhava, Patahga, Rdcana.Ahjana.bark of Hema, tender leaves of Vata, Kahya, Padma.Padmaka, Raktacandana and Svetacandana,Parada and the drugs ofKakoliyadi Gana(i.e kakoli, Ksfrakakoli, Jivaka,Rsabhaka,Mudgaparm, Masaparni, Chmnaruha, Karkatasrngi, Tugaksirt, Padmaka,Prapaundarika,Rddhi, Vrddhi, Mrdvika, Jivanti, Madhuka) should be
pasted together with milk. The paste thus prepared as well as Meda 34 'cldlSjP
ajpi gycblRwg |I SHS 3-11-9
35
cn Mlto I 1 ^Mc|T
|| Ibid 3-11-12
36 3^R$feFK|i gycbirof
37
q#
qjugcftifDi
ixTCc&l^cj
|| ibid 3-ll-13b&14a II
II Ibid 3-1 l-14b&15
88
(lard) Maya (marrow), Sikthaka (wax), clarified butter, milk & the decoction of the drugs of Ksiravarga - Nyagrodha, Udumbara, Asvattha,Plaksa - should be cooked together This medicated clarified butter is the best of all the unguents that may be applied to the face. It cures the most difficult cases ofVyanga andNihka and removes all tans, specks, marks,moles, eruptions etc from the face It gives smothness to the wrinkled skin, gives healthy plumpness and bloom to the cheeks and makes the face as beautiful as a lotus It should be recommended to kings and to the ladies of royal court as well as to persons of same rank It acts as a good remedy for Kustha and may be as well applied in cases of Vaipadika(a skin disease) 38 (r)One Pala of each of the following Kunkuma, Usira, Kahyaka, Laksa.Yasti, Candana, Nyagrodha sprouts, Padmaka, Padma, NiIotpala.Mahjistha and cook in one Adhaka water till one fourth part remains,then add one Karsa powder of the following drugs to it Laksa, Patanga, Mahjistha,
i fRt
38
fs sm % ^RT WI3JFT S i]
S
qjugq-jf
w
WF2FT1
§%ct wss mss
^
sftrfwer wit n sswz #^it rrgwri
cbicbi^ife
M
wr?Prt Cf
TEdWfff
sm ^flcFT
I
gift
di^dd
ms
HdFR II
s\ ^fT
sfc
II SS Ci 25-38to42
89
Yastimadhu and Kunkuma Then take one Kudava oil and two Kudava of goat's
milk and cook the whole thing properly If this oil is used as "errline"and also applied locally, it would cure darkness,premature wrinkles, black spots, marks, specks etc & would make the facial complexion beautiful39 (s) Mahjistha, Sabarodbhava, Tuvarika, Laksa, Haridra, Daruhandra, Nepali, Haritala, Kunkuma, Agada, Gorocana, Gamka, Vata, two types of Candana,Ka/iyaka, Parada, Patahga, Kanakatvak, Kamala, seeds ofKamala, Siktha.Tuttha, Padmakadigana trees, Vasa, Ajya, Majja and milky latex obtained from Ksiravrksa, all these cooked on fire This medicated Ghrta is applied to
the face, black spots, darkness etc would disappear & face would glean like moon 40 (t) Sarjarasa, Kanakagatrika, Dhanyaka, Taila, Ghrta and Samdhava are to be mixed in wax, such medicated wax is to be applied to the lips which stops cracks of lips & wounds 41 The details on Facials explained in Ayurvedik texts can be concluded by mentioning the benefits derived from such applications as mentioned m Ayurvedlyam Navanitakam 11
39
gfafiRSeft 1 Mchrtl4Wle|$ftq cFT
virararij
I
craw fser ^ n efcftRfoicb^ebii I sfw ddwww n ah us 32-27to30
mm
40
m
qi«j|4
cfi(#4cb
I ^i^ftdraf|H44i
ms
uraf
few gw to# crifhi fog ffe
fog foWOT^fo
c&lfe II
cjeflr
4?rara
TitfFrcT cm
1 ^ sfor II Ibid 32-31& 32
II CD 56-8
90
forest ii
?TFqf% isfr ^m^TRT ii an 1-103
i e facials are cure for night blindness, myopia, head-ache or headbum,eye diseases with inflammation due to bile & other disorders inherent in the skin of the face (B) Lomasatanam (Depilatories) Unwanted body hairs are obstacles for beauty. So,inorder to remove these undesired hairs now many hair removmg creams are available m the market The ancient texts too have given due importance to remove these hairs.The formulations are as under. 1) Two parts of conch-shell powder, one part ofHantata,pasted uMhSukta ( acid gruel) and when applied to the desired part, it acts as a hear remover42 2) Oil ofBhallataka mixed with the milk ofSnuhi should be carefully taken and applied as hair remover 43 3) Long stems ofKadah are to be burnt and that ash along with ashes of Haritala, Lavana, seeds of Sami pasted with cold water & then be used as depilatory 44 4) A plaster made up from the ashes of the tail of Agaragodhika (domestic lizard), Rambha, Ala and the seeds of Ingudi burnt together,made into
Wfl tl sRdMW m felPt
42
43
^HIdcbWI?T M'qter
44
'RlPtcW I li SS Ci 1-105
ertfa ^ 1 ^TIcHgiTtPI II Ibid 1-106 Wt flefnr spftl
#31
3T fl*RTRR*irahT II Ibid 1-107
91
a paste with oil and water and baked in the Sun, can be used as depilatory 45 (C) Anulepanas (Body applications) Susruta says that Anulepana for body is to give complexion to the body, giving strength for limbs, for love, for removing the bad odour due to perspiration etc To quote .
'3FpfcFPT II SSCi 24-63
The recipes for various Anulepanas m the form of Complexion Promoters, Bath powders, Body salves, Body deodorants, Armpit deodorants, Cure for Mole etc are listed as under * 1) An unguent prepared from Laksa, Manohva, Mahjistha, Haritala and two types of Nisa which have been pounded in Ghrta and honey when applied to the body would improve the skinAnother unguent comprising of Kahyaka, Lata, Amra, Hema, Kala,Rasottama (mercury) and Gomaya Rasa (cow-dung water)would make complexion of body radiant46 2) Haritaki powder, leaves of Arista, bark of Cuta, stems & flowers of FH
I II SU Ci 1-108
WT II cbltfl4
92
Dadima and leaves of Madayantika are made into paste and application of such Angaraga imparts royal effulgence to the body 47 3)
Rubbing the body well with the powder ofSirisa, Lamajjaka, Hema.Lodhra cures morbidity of skm The salve ofPatra, Ambu, Lodhra.Abhaya and Candana removes bad odour 48
4)
Juice of leaves of Vasaka mixed withSankhacurna and juice of leaves of Bilva , either of the two removes the offensive body odour 49
5)
Powder of Tambulapatra, Kustha & Siva made into a paste with water and applied removes bad odour 50
6)
Flour of Kuhttha, Kustha, Mamsi, powdered sandal, Canaka flour and Tvak are all powdered nicely and used as dusting powder which helps for the removal of bad odour due to perspiration 51
7)
One's body should be besmeared with burnt Haridra pounded in juice
47
^cReTcT
I
qw t* qtiMcmRtomig #trsp#
n ss ci 25-43 snrfg 1
48
|| CD 36-34 49 cfTTO#
*pp|
few# 3T5# 50
MN'M'WTOHS II Ibid 36-35
^
fgRicrrwri II SHS 3-ll-17b&18a
51
41# *FFR Rg ||
Rq#5RlcFfRIr[ II Ibid 3-11-18b 8s 19
93
of the leaves ofCihca which removes the offensive smell of the armpits & body.52 (D) Kesaprasadhanam (Hair Applications) The beauty problems related with hair are Palitam53 (greying), Indralupta54 (baldness),Daruna55 (hard&tough hair) etc Ayurvediyam Navanitakam offers some valuable information on root-cause of grey hair 85 baldness. It states :
W || an 1-113
i.e due to the defects created by undigested food, sensuous indulgence, the impurities in bile & blood give use to untimely grey hears It is natural m old age 52 Rodldd^dTdHf^d qRilR'Mlfdd vjiqlrl | II CD 36-38 53 Wffiq gives following reason for graying of hair
d^tadfdg TlttfW
I
frdod felTd qrrfcT qfad cFT ^TFIrT II BP 2-61-1 further it is stated d fM digs 9l(l()bH|U| fttfr ddfcT I
q$S tfffocfr
|f7Wtft
ifrT elrHI^ui dldfikll^JT ?^TT d c^t^rTi, d qcf %9THT = falW §*Fvffl\ Vide BP Vol 2 p 584
It further states that the problem of baldness & grey-hair is rare among women because :
fwu I II AN 1-115
i e the ground of hair growth (i e skull) in women has profuse supply of pure blood (due to discharge of menses) & has equitable warmth caused by the bilefas they are naturally prone to greater phlegm), they are free fron greying & falling of hair 56 Whereas m case of men it is just opposite The same text says
te II AN 1-116
i e the bile in their blood prone to be defective which causes the falling of hair, making the head bald & grey Generally, the formulations for hair care can be identified m the form of Hair promoters, Preventers of falling hair, Hair dyes, Cure for alopecia, Cure for dandruff etc. They are listed as under 1) A composition ofKasisa (sulphate of iron) and tender leaves ofNaktamala pasted with the expressed juice ofKapittha would lead to the appearance of the hair in that region 57 56 GSGV R T Vyas p 35
57cm#T HeWHMW
WtcTl SS Ci1-103
95
2) A Lepa ofMadhuka, Indivara, Murva, Tila and Bhrnga pounded in Ajya and
Goksira on being applied would make the hair grow dense,strong rooted, long and healthy in a short period 58 3) Kapalarahjaka Lepa can be prepared from Triphala powder mixed with Loha
(iron powder) should be kept in a partly npe Narikela along with the juice ofBhrngaraja This Narikela should be buried in the ground for a month After a month, the inner part of Narikela should be scraped & made into a fine paste, then the patient's head should be shaven off & this medicated paste should be applied Head should be covered& tied with Kadah leaf on seventh day the leaf should be removed and head washed in Triphala water Patient's diet should mainly comprise ofKsira andMamsarasa (juice of meat) By this patient's hair would became black 59 4) A mixture consisting of Triphala, Lohacurna, Nih & Bhrngi, after soaking
this in goat's urine for a day & then to be applied to the head 60
h cd 55-103 59
1
fUi?)cb
#¥ 3lRl3>| Tfftl
TS Wt% I ?JcFT II SHS 3-11-30
96
5)
One who applies the oil of Indravarumka seeds everyday, his grey hair gradually become black 61
6) Kasmari root, Sahacara flowers, Ketaki root, Lohacurna,onePala (in quantity)
ofTriphala and one Pala of Bhrnga are to be boiled in oil
&
should be kept
in an iron vessel buried in the ground for a month, such an oil on application makes the grey hair like Kasa flower would become as black as bee 62 7)
Mamsi, Kustha, Krsnatila, Sariva and Nilotpala pounded in Ksaudra and Ksira on being applied would make the hair grow well63
8) Iron dust, Bhrnga juice,Triphala.Krsnamrttika (black soil) kept in Iksu juice
for a month when applied to the premature grey hair, dyes them black from the root64 9)
Yavagu prepared from Masa, Kodra and Dhanya should be kept m an iron
vessel for three days and should be made more sour by adding Sukta This paste on application would even make crane's feather black 65 61 $'flc||$ftl|ebi<^vji rPT
cRdl*«^*im1d I
r
ii shs
62 c&TWlf
3-11- 26 ijyf |
*fl¥
II f&taPifed
1
tens cgtsiwstt to JifqtoT sift tostor 11 bp 2-61-4 63
fcffirg ^TOJIS tolT sifts
I
W
64 toto
1 mRcI
65 Hitos^ntois
<,^d II Ibid 24 - 42b & 43a
srapjj^Htfadr 1
to ddldito To^PT II Ibid 24-43b & 44a
97
10) Prapaundarika, Madhuka, Pippah, Candana, Utpala and Dhatri juice have
to be mixed in oil & boiled , if used as an errline and also applied locally would cure the hair & scalp diseases & would also dye the premature grey hair 66 1 l)Yastimadhu, Dhatri fruits and Ksira are put in oil & boiled, when used
as Nasya (nasal drops) would induce the growth of hair on head, beard & mustaches.67 12) Seeds ofNimba are to be macerated with the juice of Bhrngaraja and
decoction of wood ofAsana tree and this is put into Taila and cooked well This oil,used as nasal drops,is effective in premature greying of hairs of men who adhere to nee & milk only as diet68 13) Pound three of Dhatri fruits, two Pathya fruits, one of Bibhitaka fruit and
five Amra seeds along with one Karsa (in quantity)of Loha (iron) in a Loha vessel & keep over night, this application changes the grey hair
into black 69 66
I
fa®
*r
\
qfadlfa ?
irafa 67
II AH US 24-44b & 45 I
5ST
fonoqf»P|pT
68WtfsP3#?#r cfSTRFM cfftH
II CD 55-111
ft I dffaf
m°o gW
II ^STIsTHfpHIH II SHS 2-9-154 8s 155a
69
f¥fac{?T I
^ taT
S^facTI
wii^d faf$r ii ?f% 'lRui^chKr|HR;1d W I Ibid 3-11 -28b & 29 8s 30a
98
14)
Triphala, Lohacurna, Dadimatvak and Bisa
each five Palas, juice ofBhrngaraja
svc Prasthas (in quantity) are to be kept in an iron vessel
8s
buried
underground for one month, later it is taken out & mixed with goat's milk 8s to be applied to the hairs at nights
8s
covered with leaves of
Next day morning it is to be washed off The hair will turn
Eranda
black without doubt within three such applications 70 15) In case of alopecia the plasters offollowing substances are advised a)
Kasisa, Manohva, Tuttha
b)
Vanya 8s Amrataru
c)
Gunja
d)
Langulika root
(copper sulphate)
8s Usana
or
root 8s seeds or
e) Juice of
8s juice ofKaravira or honey or
Ksudra Vatarka 8s
f) Leaves ofDhattura 8s juice of Bhallataka or g) Maksika, Mavis, Tilapuspa 8s Tnkantaka
70 ferIT
*r Slffelffe cTSTT I qo^qfacb Tjof
fen fe#
|
fenfei fern II
nRPfo rfcTo
fir# #f wields d?rs fqfdHH # qfadW f#RT$r
felfef
^3=fTE# II WT8l
SHS 3-ll-31b to 35a
99
or
Burnt ivory mixed in the oil of any one of the above paste would cure alopecia If grey hair start growing on the patch, burnt ashes of the horns of ram should be applied , hair bath should be avoided while treatment is going on 71 16) Any one of the paste of Bhallataka, Brhati fruit or Guhja root and fruit
along with honey is to be applied to the patches due to alopecia for curing it72 17) Karahjataila for Indralupta The oil prepared from Karahja, Citraka, Jati &
Karavira can cure alopecia 73 18) On applying the juice of the leaves ofTiktapatola for three days cures
baldness 74 71
cmssm
ST35TC
fan ^rr Stefan i
TO
cWT
4><4U<*n nfa
mn m i cfi II
mm
Webs I sfa^cWM 4#
ciutot
|
MetTORTl TO^sifaJir
TOsfarajsws n ah us 24-28 to 32
72 TOTTOJ fi?#TO
1
m ^nfa II CD 55-99
fafaH 73cj^wife&r 5n# rt?fafa|cT
qifara^i
§’TOV-l|itepcbH II SHS 2-9-156b 8s 157a
74mfaroq#nnr
wi dfa^mid 1
9FT ^ifa fafaik
II SS3-ll-20b 85 21a
100
= f^ff)
19) Yasti, Indivara, Mrdvika, Taila, Ajya & Ksira all made in to a paste &
applied, will remove Indralupta and helps to grow thick hair75 20) Milky latex ofSnuhi and Arka.Langah, Markava, Visa, Paktikajndravaruni, Siddharthaka, Tiksnagandha should be pasted in Ajamutra and Gomutra
and the whole thing should be boiled in oil This is a remedy for baldness 76 21) Plaster of Priyalabija, Madhuka, Kustha, Masa, andSaindhava pounded
in Madhu cures dandruff77 22) One part ofAmra seed with one partPathya both pounded in milk This
cures dandruff78 Even the Khakhasa seeds pounded in milk can yield similar effect79 23) Bhrngaraja Taila Taila prepared with juice of Bhrngaraja, Lohakitta (iron
dust) and Kalka ofTriphala and Sariva can cure Daruna (dandruff), Akalapalita (premature greying), Kandu (itching) and Indralupta (alopecia) 80 75
l feTTS gg
76
^STg II SS 3-ll-24b&25a
*ncfcfr f^nri
ffcr rfr fadHi^ifadMiftoppr
77 cRPif
ii bp
2-61-13 & 14
^ aM irg^81 || Ibid 2-61-16
78 Slljnftd
cWT
gd HIHNdl WT I WT
79
WW II Ibid 2-61-17 ^r[| Ibid2-61-17b
4wiBlcbH | pifcn w
siwrom 11 +u$j*l’StoJH ^ dT9T*td
II SHS 2-9-161b&162
101
Thus, there are various combinations explained m Ayurvedik texts For successfully administrating the hair promoters & dyes, the following guideline is also advised m Ayurvediyam Navamtakam .
d?tT WFRTH cf^TFIT ^FIT ^IWfi 1
WI II AN 1-119, 120
e the head should be cleansed through purges of various types, then
the blood should be rendered healthy by taking citrous, sweet & nutritive food Then only the remedies like medicated oils & hair dyes etc can be administered Daily wash is also good for hair as it removes many defects Then one has to resort to different blends of oils which are advised for the growth & health of hair 2.2 Rasasastra or Alchemy texts At the turn of medieval penod(i e.8thtolOthC A D ), a most fascinating development took place m the field of Ayurveda. Mineral substances were mtroduced profusely m to Ayurvedik pharmacopia On account of this effect, compounding medicines from mineral substances were developed. Accordingly, a new branch called Rasasastra was mtroduced which almost attained the status of a seperate medical system.
102
The main purpose of Rasasastra is to transform base lower metals mto noble higher metals and to strengthen the body tissues m order to maintain them m a fresh and healthy state so as to remove senility, diseases and death from the world Thus, Rasasastra was developed to achie Lohavedha(transformation of metals) and Dehavedha (transformation of body for the prevention of aging and diseases and maintenance of positive health)
81
The word Rasa in alchemical literature means mercury 82 Mercurial preparations are supposed to give long life, youthful vigour, high mental power and even the rare faculty of movmg invisibly in space which is known as Khecaragamana Therefore, Mercury became the central part of Indian alchemical thought.83 Rasasastra stressed more on Rasayana concept of Ayuraveda The Rasayana concept advises the ways & means by which one can achieve
81
•• I twragira 1-77 narrates following benefits of
Vide SirgifcfcT TWRof
:
Dr Siddhmandan Mishra p 16
82 A Concise History of Science in India Sen,Bose 8s B V Subrayappa p 313 The following definition is found m tWRPpra- : UHid
I TWcT =IT
Wo II 1-76
83 A Concise History of Science m India
103
Sen,Bose& B V Subrayappa p 313
the best quality of Rasadidhatus which inturn provide positive health to the body and prevent diseases and aging Thus,it sustains our body always m healthy and youthful state 84 In this way, the Rasasastra texts are related to Cosmetics 8s Perfumery The literature on Rasasastra is volummous Some scholars are of the opinion that the texts on Rasasastra have more or less the same form & tone.85 Even the Tantrik elements are also found m these texts. Some of the important Rasasastra texts are Rasahrdaya ofGovtnda Bhagavata, Rasaratnakara by Siddha Nagarjuna, Rasendra Cudamam of Somadeva, Rasaratnasamuccaya by Vagbhata, Rasaratnakara by Nityanatha Siddha etc "
Most of these texts belong possibally to a period between the 9th and
18th centuries A D " says Dr B V Subbarayappa 86 He also observes that the period between 10th and 14th centuries being perhaps the flourishing one 87 While explaining the aspects of Rasayana these texts give information on Cosmetics and perfumery products Tantrasastra, a specialised branch of study on mystical powers, did not confine itself to the field of religious practices only, but even entered into the field of Rasasastra (Alchemy), Yogasastra, Lohavidya (Metallurgy) etc. Among them Rasasastra was the foremost 8s drew a large number of learned men mto its fold." Its vast literature still retains the features ofTantnsm" says Prof K.R Srikantaswamy 88 Thus, there arose a mutual dependence of Rasasastra and Tantrasastra 84 Ayurmedlme p 32. 85 A Concise History of Science in India Sen,Bose & B V Subrayappa p 314 86 Ibid p 314 87 Ibid p 314 88 Ibid p 314 104
Accordingly, Nityanatha Siddha{l3tb CAD ),89a noted scholar on both the fields, has written the texts related to Rasasastra and Tantrasastra They are - Rasaratnakara and Kamaratnatantram 90 These two texts throw ample information on Cosmetics & Perfumery The former deals with manufacturing of some of the cosmetic 8s perfumery products where as the later deals with the applicational formulations (a) Rasaratnakara The text Rasaratnakara is divided in to five sections known as Khandas 91 They are 1)
Rasakhanda which relates to physicians
2) Rasendrakhanda which is related to cure the patients 3) Vadikhanda which is also known as Rddhikhanda deals with the ways of earning material prosperity 4) Rasayanakhanda which discusses anti ageing process 5) Mantrakhanda related to Mantrasastra 92 The ideas on Cosmetics and Perfumery are dealt m Vadikhanda or Rddhikhanda section. This section is divided into twenty chapters known as Upadesas As stated m mtroduction, Nityanatha Siddha observes the lucrative nature of Gems 85 Cosmetics m the following verse 89 SICH-Vol I P K Gode p 89 90 i)W<TS itSd f%R#T
u) Vide 45IWT 91
92
> tPT
m 1W1T
I
Vide RSR p X
Wt
p3
I RSR p 1-4-6
§ %TRT
oilftlicIHT #3% I dTfel ^ || JF3FH Hrsiaui W Ulfilfes tRIdcT I Ibid p 1-4-6 105
mk
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w^tt
fcr^n^Fi% §pr m to im cM#fe uprawr wtow II 'RSR.-Rddhikhanda( Vadikhanda) 19-1 The cosmetic and perfumery topics explained m Rasaratnakara are (1) Candanakaranam (preparation of sandal), (u) Karpurakaranam (manufacture of camphor), (m) Kasturikaranam (preparation of musk) & (iv) Kunkumakaranam (preparation of Kunkuma) (v) Divyadhupah (vi) Puspadruti (Essence of aromatic plants) (1) Candanakaranam It is interesting to note that the text Rasaratnakara m the first instance proceeds to explain the preparation of sandal from neem The proceedure is as under Nimba tree has to be cut by leaving its root inside the earth up to an
arm’s length , on its top, a hole should be made & filled with fresh Guggulu Placing a wooden lid of the same tree, the joints are to be luted
with clay mixed with salt When dried it should be baked with fire in Gajaputa 93 Let it be naturally cool The roots become sandal94 93
is an under ground cavity of square in nature measuring a IRWfMM (generally 2x 2x2 in length, breadth 86 depth) Then cow dung cakes are placed at the base & ignited, thus the substance receives heat from all sides Cakes are burnt m to ash & substance gets cooled on itself The structure of a tRfjjS is given m the Appendix-picture No 1 (vide Rasashastra
94 tnkr ftssnfsi
5
cRtf
Dr Vilas Bole 8& Dr P Paranjape p 61) I vwjnjgi* ||
cfTO felW
I i!
winter w
^ n rsr 19- 89, 90&91
106
(n) Karpurakaranam Then the narration of the preparation of camphor is given as under Take three Pala quantity of Rajanna (nee) and boil it, when it gets cooled add milk & one Niska measure of camphor and grind it , this paste has to be filled in dried bamboo pipe & let it dry in shadow Add Svarasa ofKadah flowers to this bamboo pipe After closing its mouth with a piece of cloth, keep it in Sunshine for three days & then to be kept in cavity of earth for three weeks Take out from cavity then has to be dried. Then the substance is to be taken out from bamboo, this becomes a very good camphor.95 (in) Kastunkaranam Then the text proceeds to narrate the manufacturing technique of artificial musk The text says The seeds of half nped jack fruit are to be made into pieces , then to be kept in new vessel and add one Pala ofSunthi powder When it becomes liquid, add 4 Niska quantity of Candana, boil it in mild fire till it becomes
95 Wm ^ W ^ilMIskt^lcl^ W
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fa
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I
tanfrarg^r siratar wiih-i I ^ ^ wsr ctj^c
fer itafrr ^ trw n
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19-92 to 96 107
n
11 II
i
reddish After cooling, store in glass vessel & keep Campaka.Ketaki.Malh & Jati flowers on that & its face to be tied with clean cloth for a day, next day leave those flowers & add musk at the ratio of one Pala, one Pala pure camphor & 20 times Javadi Again it has to be covered with Malltka flowers for three days Thus, the Javadi becomes Kasturi in fragrance & colour 96 Another method of preparing the artificial musk is also explained m the text.97 96 ddflW#RldRl
diddTT TO# dl# #dcfr ^Iddfodd I 3Rdlft d pdftft 3<*#T dd fdRro; II
gild
3^ Msd
dIdfldTd?td
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d^ dT#Pdddl ftps MldUdldlR f^fdT
'3TOTO Rlftf^d #dd dPfTS d#T I TOTOIdtfffld
w3 dd% dd# ddi#d d mwo 1 3®rrf#
d^fftfrwr fdro^i
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1 fed? tm 30
ihtoi
dld% II
m
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wt%\\
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3^U||^T d|craic|<£P# d dS# I Sdf% dlft 30## 311 RlTdT Sd ^ 11 cb^fw4 Rtdfa 3*dl^d f%^f^| rjuRd
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108
w
f*Td#r 1
(iv)
Kunkumakaranam Three different methods of preparation of Kunkuma (Kunkuma Karana)
occupies next place m Rasaratnakara They are as under Method -1 Hard shell of coconut or Nimba bark or any Subhra (clean) bark made in to powder & mixed with water, add 1/4 part Rajanif Handra) or 1/8 Gamka; it becomes a very good Kunkuma 98 Method - 2 Behold the Kvatha ofPalasa flowers in Kharpara ; add 20 times of grind fresh nee, add lime 1/2 of the nee, mix it properly, allow it in heat till it becomes solid; then make the pills, they are equal to Kunkuma 99 Method 3 Take Palasapuspa & best nee in 1/4 proportion, grind it well, roll the pills & let them dry. They resemble the Kunkuma 100 98
cfi ^5 cTT
I
eft dt^PT w t^pft
f|PT
3dFI *Pf feld^T m fir
'JRRT II RSR Rddhikhanda (Vadtkhanda) 19-115,116 g
^
I ||
cbi^t
spf
I mrnktr I
dcRri%T dfebfS
II Ibid 19-117 to 118
100 wreyarqrcrsT wj>p n tenai dfepIS
ii i
wtst
^ rjprsf 99
w
?p^pt
i
STpsqTg PJg fScpdfadlg II Ibid 19-19
109
(v)
Divyadhupah The text further proceeds to explain the preparation of Divya Dhupa
i.e incense sticks from various ingredients. The two process are as under Divya Dhupa - 1 Take one part musk, 2 part camphor 8s 3 part Kunkuma, 4 part Nakha, 5 port Mamsi, 6 part Sarjarasa, 7 part Musta, 8 part Krsnaguru, 9 part Sita 8s 10 part Candana These are to be mixed 8s made into powder, then mixed with equal quantity of Guggulu 8s again mix it, while powdering it with the help of hammer on the stone add the oil slowly The powdering process may take one day, after this prepare sticks from that powder Light the stick 8s put out the flame, this is a very good Dhupa 8s helpful in Mantrasadhana 101 Divya Dhupa - 2 Take equal quantity of Lohacurna, Guggulu,Mamsi,Musta,Nakha,Bola, Candana,Aguru,Valaka,Laksa,Guda,Sarjarasa,Sita 8s Karpura are to be mixed 8s powdered by taking two Niskas at a time along with one Mass of Kasturi 8s Kunkuma While powdering it on the stone, add Tilataila for it The powdering process must be undertaken for one Yama (about 3 hours), then to be made in to sties This is aDivyadhupa as it gives all auspiciousness 101
I wii WS fS?TT
to I!
itofo srato tofir cfa cw&r crjfsjM
to4
ii
to n RSR-Rddhikhanda (Vadikhanda) 19-120 to 123
110
& leads for all mystical chantings 102 The author says that this formula is given by god Siva himself The religious importance of mcenses can also be noticed m above explanations (vi) Puspadruti The preparation of Puspadruti i e essence of some aromatic plants is explained m verses 128 to 131 which is to be used m the Perfumery Industry The process is as under A piece of cloth is to be dipped in Milky latex ofSnuhi( Vajri) for seven days Then take one Pala of Jati flowers & add one Niska of powdered TahkanaSsthen 3 Niska of honey is to be added & mixed well Then it has to be stored either in clay-vessel or glass-vessel Close its mouth with the help of earlier processed cloth When water is sprinkled the flowers pour their fragrance & give perfumed water This is a common method for all types of flowers This perfume can be used for making various formulations for application.103 102§ jnjg wwwi #
agf% errf^r g^qri^r g^n#lg dspm ia#to wzftw g'^pn w ^ ^ I gfcTS cfiFlf gWHT
II Ibid 19-128 to 131
111
The above recipes of cosmetic & aromatic preparations described m detail may not be imaginary." The experts in Rasavidya in medieval times known as Siddhas did posses a super natural bent of mind In spite of this bent they were deeply interested in experiments of all kinds in their search for Gold The Cosmetics described in the recipes of Nityanatha Siddha are real & not miraculous though we might notice in these discnptions a tendency to attach miraculous properties to actual preparations, which gave comfort to the users of these Cosmetics on account their aromatic ingredients" says P K Gode 104 He further says “ . . the reapes ofRasaratnakara really have a distinct place in the history of Gandhasastra ”105 Thus, Rasaratnakara occupies an important place m the history of Cosmetics 85 Perfumes. Nityanatha Siddha justifies this with the following statement'TfelRd
qltpRcl d
I
f^RRT^R ftfe II RSR Rddhikhanda p x
(b) Kamaratna Tantram Kamaratna Tantram is a unique text on Tantrasastra written by Nityanatha Siddha The text is divided into sixteen chapters termed as Upadesas The
text
deals
with
Mantras (Mystic
chantmgs),
/ar)tras(Ritualistic diagrams)& Ousadhts(Medicinal Herbs) to be used for various purposes
104 SICH-Vol I
P K Gode p 89
105 Ibid p 93
112
As to the cosmetic and perfumery concepts are concerned, special attention is given m 5th and 7th Upadesas (chapters) Nityanatha Siddha at the outset clarifies that Angaragas 1 e the cosmetic applications are for sexual pleasure, wherem, the physical contact is inevitable. He says SHIFTS 3^1« cMR?
TF$lfcT£JHHI
II KR 5-19
This text gives many recipes of cosmetic and perfumery products under the following heads (a) Deharanjanam (Body applications) (b) Kesaranjanam (Hair applications) (c) Snanartha Sugandhidravyam (Perfumed waters for bathing). (d) Indralupta Nivaranamf Cure for baldness) (e) Yukaliksadi Nivaranam (Solutions for hair problems) (f) Lomasatanam (Depilatories/ Hair removers) (g) Mukharahjanam (Facials) (h) Dhupas (Incenses) The formulations are (a) Deharanjanam (Body applications) l)On annointing the body before bathing with the paste of nnd of Pathya, Amatakifruit, Ajas, juice ofJimOta along with Kustha & Jatamamsi makes the body fragrant and lustrous 106 106
^dRPFTFTFT KR 5-97
113
2) 77/a, Sarsapa,
two types of Haridra, Durva, Gordcana and Kustha are to
be pounded in goat's urine and butter milk and rubbed to the body which creates uncomparable beauty 107 3) Madanaprakasa
Toyada,
is an unguent made up of one part ofHantaki and
port of Vaneruha and 1/8 of Nakha , the application of
which excites love108 4) Naramohana
is another combination prepared from Eta, Sati, Patraka,
Candana, Toya, Abhaya, Sigru, Ghana,& Kustha which is fragrant and
worth to be consumed by kings 109 Equal parts ofDhattura, Kasmira, Ghana, Ambu, Loha, Nisakara and Usira
5)
are to be pounded, finally a salve is ready to please humans and gods 110 6)
When Usira, Krsnaguru, Candana,Patra and Ambu are equally pounded and applied to the limbs of amorous women, emit the fragrance of
Srikhanda 111
107
3M^d*ft$8
^tcrfrT II KR 5-27
108
gfifclFTS d^TPTS ##
mm
I || Ibid 5-28
109 3 TR# wVdHsqg || Ibid 5-29
ifrg
111
II Ibid 5-30
¥HlPltal I tpfa
II Ibid 5-31
114
7) The bad smell of beautiful women can be removed by applying a Lepa of
Hantaki, Lodhra, leaves ofArista, Saptacchada and peel of Dadima 112 8) Hantaki, Candana, Musta, Naga, Usira, Lodhra,Kustha andRatri are taken
in equal parts besmeared on bodies of men and women, remove the offensive smell due to excessive perspiration 113 9) A fine paste of Candana, Usira, Karahja leaves, seeds of Kola andAksa,
Aguru & Naga, if applied removes deep rooted bad odour114 10) Bark of Dadima, Lodhra and Padma along with leaves of Ptcumarda
are taken equally and besmeared on the body would cure bad odour due to sweat115 11) The bad smell of armpits can be removed by a deodrant prepared from
Hantaki, Sriphala, Musta, Cihca, Tnphala and seeds of Putikarahja 116
18 cite cpfMs
te II KR 5-20
113
I fcRTSTOT^
II Ibid 5-22
114 y*KHI9il|
tm g
ftrcsrfr
is fqts *wi%
115
n ibid 5-24 PifR^qfis i
116 $0clchl4)cb^wfc)oc(|
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|
503d fcFTRMTSJ PtelWd II Ibid 5-21 115
b) Kesarahjanam(Hair applications) For strengthening the hairs, the solutions are prescribed as under 1) Jati flowers, fruits and roots have to be pounded in black cow's urine and applied for seven nights 117 2) Another formulation for strong hair is from powdered Srngata,Triphala, Bhrngi, Nilotpala & iron powder taken in equal parts cooked in oil
which is four times of the whole bulk 118 3) Tila flowers
along with Goksura and Lavana pounded in Gavyaghrta Ss
then applied for a week the hair become Luxunent119 4)
Roots ofSalmah.Tala &Padma pounded in goat's milk m equal quantities on bemg applied to the shaven head & consumed internally for three days would lead to the best growth of hair120
5) Oil
extracted fromAmra seed, powder of magnet, fruit of Kakatundi
and Krsna have to be mixed well & kept in the pile of Dhanya 117
After 15 days if this oil is applied to the hair and administered as an errhne for 3 days, hair unll become black & if this treatment is continued for six months his hair become as black as bee 121 6) Tnphala, iron powder, Nth & entire Bhrngi plant have to be lavigated
& soaked in goat's urine for a day and then rubbed on the hair, the hair becomes black as bee 122 7) Equal parts of powder of Guhja seeds, Kustha, Ba, and Devadaru are to be given Bhavana in juice of Bhrnga for one day Then this mixture is to be blended with oil, taken in 4 times of entire bulk and cooked in slow fire If this medicated oil is applied for Abhyanga, then his hair will grow thicker & black as bee 123 8) A paste of Lohakitta,Japa flowers, Dhatri fruits all taken in equal parts
applied for three days, grey hair would became black and remain black for two months 124 121
cfrr
ebidqwFi^PidH I tJuJRRcIT
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sirrt#
dW
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frfScT
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II
HP*! WRwHdlBTtPT II KR 5-62 to 64a
Mi
122
M
l
M Ml WHTnW'T II
123
Ibid 5-64b&65
^cfcflWT I ^IT5T
Me ^315^8 II fti qraiRr
l Mdwr II Ibid 5-66,67
124 dWfof ftfcl
Slbta WtE I fedRI
II Ibid 5-70b,71a
117
9) Juice of Nihka should be mixed and stirred for one Prahara along
with the oily paste made of one Prastha Juice ofBhrngaraja and one Prastha oil ofKrsna Tila, application of this paste for 3 days would make hair black.125 10) Sarja, Yavaksara, Nagapuspa are to be mixed mAranalaka (sour gruel) and
applied in the middle ofthe day which would surely make hear black.126 11) Goghrta(ckmfied butter obtained from cow's milk), paste ofBhrngaraja
and MayOrasikha are to be mixed and cooked in slow fire, that would make hair black127 12) Oil taken in equal parts from Kakamaci and Krsnatila seeds would
surely make hair black 128 13) The above mixture along with the juice ofJapa flowers and oneKarsa
honey used as errline for a week would surely make hair black 129 125
I
II dwfa
II KR 5-71b,72
126 Tjufavjfaeranc'
dlHM%S I II Ibid 5-73
m I
127 T iJ|dT RM cT
128 cblcbHIiMMlft
M
dffcr
^RoSRR; II Ibid 5-75
^crrfcRdRrlWg I n ibid 5-74
129 cfiTcOTbM^lft
m
^wJ|^Hdd?» I -tfPTRWld II
W
"s,
f^rs ll Ibid 5-76
118
14) A powder ofTnphaia and Loha should be mvced & cooked in the same
amount of oil (in weight) on slow fire Then juice ofBhrnga should be taken as the oil in weight Then the whole thing should be cooked and be kept in a vessel and buried in ground for a month This medicated oil should be applied to the hair and the hair to be covered & tied with Kadali leaf While this treatment is going on, the patient should reside in a quiet place, where there is no wind or breeze The patient's diet should mainly consist of milk Head should be washed with Triphala water If this treatment is taken for seven consecutive days, hair will become as black as bee and will remain black throughout his life time 130 15) Equal amount of seeds of Mahakala and Vakuci should be powdered
and given Bhavana ofNirgundi juice forfour days It should be then mixed with juice of Japa flower. The whole thing should be put in Patalayantra and expressed oil to be applied to the hair. The hair should be covered and tied with Eranda leaf Then the user should reside in a quiet place devoid of sunshine & wind His diet should mainly consists of milk He should keep Tandulya grains in mouth If this treatment is continued for seven days, hair becomes black 131 130
cnftou
I
s4)^4
^ncir^r^wtni
mm
^
i Ml II
cfcTS
ott ii
^ to nmidi^d n
Mlw Rr cfxfer flHlt *5JFT s&Tl 4!c|#} 131
ci#t
n %9TTS
f^lT MrHigMM
II few 3 cR^T
WlfildleFlfadPldS II fuwiig n^RFrr weir Ml
wmj
IIKR 5-77to78 I d'J|di-dKd^ I
ibid 5-8i to 84
119
16) Mahogra is to be kept in mud for svc months After six months, it has to be taken out & it turns to black soon One Karsa of this powder is to be applied to the head This is termed as Kapalarahjana which makes the hair as black as bee. Even the fresh ones which grow are black & remain black all through one's life, without any doubt 132 17) Preparation of Nilata/lam The blossom and young fruit of Cuta.Pmdaraka, Pandura or Nihka are to be pasted & boiled in one Prastha of Tilataila If the feather of a goose is dipped in it turns black, then it is confirmed that the reape has been correctly prepared for human beings.If it is applied for three consecutive nights,shell like grey hair of humans would turn black The author endorses that this is a well observed experiment133 18) Satavari, Krsnatila, Gordcana and Kakamukha are to be pasted & applied to the head. The grey hair would turn black quickly.134 132 wm ^ terr wng mj^ri cb%
ter ter n
ters f®ns spite teprates l cWfcKouH rte qpte ^ WTS II KR 5-85 & 86 133 Wptcf pte Sip
3TI
SRSJSPiFT ^
tern
II
wm te
pten ter
wtt
tetetepm I
9i
tiw tenr I
pr * tel% «HHpki % tegs fief sites II Ibid 5-88 to 90 134
filter pm teddl
chl<^Mite
I
iterate ps gteiteR) pmte pnpte ii ibid 5-91
120
19) A
decoction of Muttha,
Sarsapa, Usira
and Haritaki is to be prepared
8s
same quantity ofAmalaka is to be added The roots of hair besmeared with above will make the hair as dark as cloud 135 It is interesting to note that
Nityanatha
prescribes a hair bleach
which converts the black hair into white He calls it Kesasukhkaranam The recipe is as follows * i) Roga(Kustha) and Amalaka powder should be given Bhavana latex of
Vajri
of milky
seven times 8s to be applied by which the hair becomes
white136 n) Abhaya fruits should be given Bhavana of goat's milk for seven days Then this powder is mixed with oil 8s applied to hair, they become white 137 c)
Snanartham Sugandhidravyam(Perfumed
The text
Kamaratnam
waters for bathing) •-
also mentions some fragrant hair washes.
They are 1) In order to get fragrance 8s lustre in the hair, the bathing in scented water made up from the mixtue ofpowder ofSuksmaila.Jimuta, Cuta, Svarna, Mast
and Patraka is admsible138
135 gw W flcfq ffa
steiRw mfa
wI
wm°o
ii
liters i kr 5-938594 136
flflSIT I W)ffFI#FT f^dl qifrr gsfcfTS II Ibid 5-119
137 aMsflfar
mm
gjfclHT FIMI ^
II Ibid 5-95 121
Nakha,
2} Excellent fragrance in the hair for fifteen days can be got from
bathing with paste ofSvarna, Ambuda, Usira, Nakha and Pathya 139 3) The cure for premature greying hair is advised in which the paste
of Madayantika is boiled in sesame oil & applied to the hair This also removes the dirt140 d) Indralupta NivaranamfCure for baldness) Alopecia or baldness can be cured by applying the following 1) Bhallataka, Brhati fruit, Guhja root and fruit & honey.141 2) The powder of Guhja fruits mixed with honey is to be applied to the
head which removes baldness & also promote the black lustrous thick growth of the hair142 3) Kunkuma or Martea taken in equal parts and pounded in oil or if the
juice ofJambira mixed with oil is to be applied They give the result rapidly 143
RFTT TO
fct II KR 5-96
140 *Kffawi8
fester
fyk
TOJIPTI
3Tcf>ra^ra-
II Ibid 5-92
141 *R*i!dcb w ip#
TOT 1
4fiTT W
II Ibid 5-113
142 gyrrats 2# t
143 fgd
I dkr feiikRi fwe fferr £rtmt8 n ibid 5-106
tr4 f^TT rf#T #T#T I i#4T
II Ibid 5-108
122
4) The plaster made up of Bhallataka, Krsnatila and Kantakari fruit taken in equal parts and pounded in nee water and to be applied 144 5) Japa flowers are to be pasted and mixed with black cow's unne and applied 145 The author further explains the method of application He says g
wtd i
2PRT pTRdT ^TrfcT
II KR 5-112
i e In case of bald patch, where the hair roots have been destroyed by germs, should be rubbed with gold till the patch becomes warm (by rubbing) and after the presenbed salves should be applied (e)Yukaliksadi Nivaranam (Solutions for hair problems) The problem of Yuka (lice) & Liksa{nits) m the hair can be solved by following . 1) A paste prepared from Vidanga, Gandha (sulpher)and Utpala along with cow's unne & then boiled in oil and applied to the hair in Abhyanga 146 2) Gomutra and Sariva root are pounded together and to be applied to the hair147
144
cbu-£cfiTfH?1 WT I Msd cf £RT$#cf II KR 5-114
145
d
146
II
Ibid 5-115
cbdrWHdd I ■3WTlfFH f^lfrWMT
147
II Ibid 5-98
’jd dm^cb|p(c|KU|^ I Ibid 5-99a
123
3) Pestle one Niska of mercury in the juice of Krsnadhattura or Nagavalh
juice. Tie the headfof the patient) with the piece of cloth dipped in this mixture and keep it for three Yama i e approximately 9 hours, each and every louse will fall without doubt148 4) The paste ofNilotpala, Ttla, Yasti, Sarsapa, Nagakesara and Dhatri fruits
all in equal parts if applied destroys the lice 149 5) Massage with oil made up from Nisa, Gandhaka, Gomutra, Vidanga and
Parada can kill the lice 150 6) A salve prepared from lac, Bhallataka, Musta, Kustha, Guggulu, Sarsapa,
along with Vidanga can remove lice 151 7) A Lepa ofBilva root pounded in Gomutra kills lice 152 8) Remedy for itching of the scalp is as follows
Haridra and Daruharidra
along with butter is to be massaged on the scalp 153
148 WS
||
4FFR4
3<3
^44 wti mm ddi
ii
4df% fasSta ^W«blsll3l
I
149
KR 5-99btol01a
I
m ftwi M 150
II Ibid 5-102 1 II
151 ^IT *IHIdcfi'
Ibid 5-103
| II Ibid 5-104
152 153 ftfdSTT
^MI^lPHIOTT II Ibid 5-105 ^Ml4^8
II Ibid 5-101
124
(f) Lomasatanam (Depilatories/ Hair removers) There are many recipes mentioned as depilatories/hair removers They are 1) Palasabhasma and Haritalacurna are to be mixed in water of Rambha and then applied to the pubic region, then the hair never grows there154 2) The salve consisting one part ofHaritala, five parts ofJalaja(Sankha)and five parts of burnt ashes ofSavas tree, soaked in water obtained from Kadali plant, and kept m vessel, when applied seven tones on the pubic region of amorous women, would never let the hair grow on that region.155 3) Pulverised Kambu (conch-shell) soaked in the juice of Rambha tree for a week, then mixed with Nala destroys immediately the supetflous hairs 156 4) Talaka(Haratala), powder ofSankha, Mahjistha, and burnt ashes ofKimsuka are taken equally and a Lepa is prepared , on applying of this acts as a good hair remover.157 5) IfTalaka and powder of conch-shell is pestled in salt water and applied to the desired part, hair would fall-off immediately 158 154 qwr^wif^RTcfw^f