Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Use of Ambara’ of the study on cosmetics, costumes and ornaments of ancient India based on Sanskrit sources. Chapter one deals with cosmetics and methods of enhancing beauty; Chapter two deals with costumes, garments and dresses; Chapter three deals with ornaments for humans and animals. Each chapter deals with their respective materials, types, preparation and trade, as prevalent in ancient Indian society.
1.4. Use of Ambara
Ambara, as mentioned by P.K Gode[1], is basically not a Sanskrit word. Its origin is perhaps in the Arab word ‘Anbar’ meaning ambergris, which was a rich perfume among the Arab people, who are supposed to have brought this aromatic substance into India. The word Ambara in the sense of perfume is recorded in a few lexicons like Rājavyavahārakośa[2] of Raghunāthapaṇḍita. Gandhavāda[3] also attests Ambara as an ingredient in the preparation of an aromatic powder called Manmathodayapiṣṭaka.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
SIICH, p.9
[2]:
Ibid, p.10
[3]:
Ibid, p.13