Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Dress of Prostitutes’ 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.
2.7. Dress of Prostitutes
Abhisārikā usually wore blue or black garments. Since they are clad in blue or black, they can move in the night without having noticed by anyone. They wore a veil, which also was of blue colour. Sometimes Uttarīya served as a veil. It is mentioned in Nāgānanda[1]. Mālatī in one context in Harṣacarita[2] is represented thus. From Mahābhārata[3] we learn that a prostitute usually wore dress having red colour.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Act III
[2]:
p.32
[3]:
VIII.28.34