Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Pharmaceutical use of Soap’ 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.
2.4. Pharmaceutical use of Soap
Soap was one among the articles of toilet of royal personages and men of social status. This lather producing substance was known as Phenaka, which was used to remove grease. In Kāmasūtra[1], Vātsyāyana gives an account of the articles of toilet of a Nāgaraka, which includes unguents, perfumes, scents, lipsticks and Phenaka. Mānasollāsa[2] refers to the manufacturing of soap for royal bath. Such a cake was prepared by mixing wheat flour, fermented rice gruels and pounded roots of Madana and Piśuna.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
I.4.17
[2]:
pp.81-87