Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Materials (i): Pulaka (Amethyst)’ 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.
1.2. Materials (i): Pulaka (Amethyst)
This gem also is believed to have been created from the nails of the demon Bala. Its colour is similar to that of Guñja seeds, honey, red lotus, fire and a plantain leaf. Bāṇa[1] and Varāhamihira[2] speak of this gem.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Harṣacarita, p.32
[2]:
Bṛhatsaṃhitā, LXXIX.4, 5