Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Use of Kunkuma (Saffron)’ 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.
1.5. Use of Kuṅkuma (Saffron)
Kuṅkuma (Saffron—Crocus sativus) is produced from safflower (Crocus Sativus), which grows in abundance in Kashmir region. Amarakośa[1] mentions ten synonyms of Kuṅkuma Kāśmīrāñjana, Agniśikhā, Vara, Vāhika, Pitana, Rakta, Saṃkoca, Piśuna, Dhīra and Lohitacandana. These synonyms are recorded in Dhanvantarī-nighaṇṭu[2] also. Kuṅkuma in general, is useful to enhance complexion. According to Dhanvantarī-nighaṇṭu[3] , saffron is beneficial in eye diseases, head diseases and wounds. It is hot in potency and is astringent.
Properties of Kuṅkuma is described in Rājavallabha-nighaṇṭu thus:
[...][4]
Kuṅkuma was produced artificially also. In this process, cocunut shell, twigs of neem, white juice of Palāśa flower, rice, turmeric, minerals etc were used. Rasaratnākara[5] refers to three methods for producing Kuṅkuma artificially.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
II.6
[3]:
Ibid
[4]:
p.34
[5]:
p.169