India history and geography

Source: What is India: Inscriptions of the Vākāṭakas

Payodharapaṭa (पयोधरपट) refers to a “band to cover breasts”, which was commonly worn during the reign of the Vākāṭakas (mid-3rd century CE).—Ajaṇṭā paintings give us a clear idea of the costume and jewellery worn by men and women in Vidarbha in the age of the Vākāṭakas. [...]  Some women used to wear a band called payodharapaṭa to cover their breasts. In the scene representing dying Sundarī, in Cave XVI, the maid who is fanning the princess has worn such a breast-band. Again, in the fresco of the Viśvantara-Jātaka where Jujaka is receiving the ransom-money, the queen who is sitting beside the king has also worn a similar payodhara-paṭa. In the Śākuntala, when Śakuntalā complains that Priyaṃvadā had tied her bark-garment tightly and asks Anasūyā to loosen it, Priyaṃvadā retorts, “You should rather blame your youth which has developed your breasts”. In this scene also a similar payōdhara-paṭa is evidently referred to. As its knot used to be tied on the back, Śakuntalā had to ask her friend to loosen it.

context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Payodhara, Pata.

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