Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Use of Aguru (Agallochum)’ 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.
1.8. Use of Aguru (Agallochum)
Amarakośa[1] gives five synonyms of Aguru (Agallochum—Aquilaria agallocha)–Vaṃśika, Kṛmija, Joṅgaka, Rajarha and Loha. Of these Joṅgaka is referred to in Kauṭilīya Arthaśāstra[2]. There it is mentioned as one among the precious articles, which are to be entered into the treasury and was mainly produced in the country Kāmarūpa. The text also speaks of Kālāguru (Black Aloe wood)[3] and Māṅgalya. Māṅgalya is aloe wood which smells like jasmine flower. Dhanvantarī-nighaṇṭu[4] lists eight synonyms of Aguru—Pravara, Anārgaka, Kṛṣṇāguru, Viśvarūpaka, Kṛmijagdha, Yogaja, Loha and Svādvaguru. According to the text, Aguru is pungent and bitter in taste, hot in potency, unctuous, subdues Vāta and Kapha and proves curative in leprosy, eye and ear diseases.
Properties of Aguru is described in Rājavallabha-nighaṇṭu thus—
[...][5].
Kāleyaka is another variety of Aguru. It is yellow in colour. Dhanvantarī-nighaṇṭu[6] gives Pītavarṇa, Varṇaprasādana and Laghucandana as its synonyms.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
II.6
[2]:
II.11
[3]:
II.6.127
[5]:
p.134
[6]:
Candanādivarga