Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Materials (m): Sphatika (Crystal Gem-Pebble)’ 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 (m): Sphaṭika (Crystal Gem-Pebble)
This gem is not only popular for ornament making, but it is related to architecture also. Purāṇas ascribe its origin to the fat of the demon Bala[1]. Descriptions of crystal paved floors of royal palaces are common in the works of Kālidāsa and others. This white coloured, transparent gem is also known by the name, Billaura. Kauṭilya[2] speaks of four varieties of this gem. They are: (1) Śuddhasphaṭika (White transparent), (2) Mulāṭagharṇa (Like butter), (3) Śitavṛṣṭi and (4) Sūryakānta.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Ibid, 79.1-2
[2]:
DAOAI, p.142