Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India

by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words

This page relates ‘Upper Garments (m): Pravaraka or Pravara (covering)’ 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.

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2.1. Upper Garments (m): Prāvāraka or Prāvāra (covering)

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Prāvāraka is also known as Prāvāra. Literally it means a covering. According to some scholars, Prāvāraka is a cloak, while in some others view; it is a shawl worn in the same manner a modern ‘Duppatta’ is worn. Pāṇini^[1] describes Prāvāra as a blanket. According to Kauṭilya^[2], Prāvāra is a sort of blanket made of the wool of wild animals. Wool made Prāvāra is mentioned by Daṇḍi^[3] and Bhāsa^[4]. Mahābhārata^[5] also alludes to Prāvāra. In Mṛcchakaṭika^[6], we read of Vasantasena’s brother wearing a Prāvāraka of silk. In another place, Vasantasena’s^[7] mother wearing a Puṣpaprāvāraka is mentioned. It may either a Prāvāraka, embroidered with patterns of flowers or one having flowers woven on it. Prāvāraka having several fringes and tassels is also referred to there.