Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India

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

This page relates ‘Head Ornaments (a): Kirita’ 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.

2.1. Head Ornaments (a): Kirīṭa

By the term Kirīṭa lordship and sovereignty is implied. Hence, the word is used in connection with kings, courtiers and deities. It has a cone shape with a round base and worn on the scalp. Kirīṭa, composed of flowers as well as precious metals and studded with precious gems is seen.

In Vālmīki-rāmāyaṇa, in the context of describing Rāma’s coronation it is stated -

[...].[1]

An epithet of Arjuna is Kirīṭin. The reason for calling thus is described in Mahābhārata.[2]

Bhāgavatapurāṇa portrays lord Viṣṇu by wearing a Kirīṭa of Vaiḍūrya[3].

It is stated in Nāṭyaśāstra that Kirīṭa is worn by characters of higher category[4].

Bhāsa and Kālidāsa frequently talk about Kirīṭa, made of flowers as well as gold with settings of gems[5].

We get evidence for such Kirīṭa from Amarakośa[6], Mudrārākṣasa[7] , Śiśupālavadha[8] and Ūrubhaṅga (Ūrubhaṅga)[9]

Images of the different manifestations of Śiva are exhibited wearing Kirīṭa. In Sakalādhikāra[10], Hariharārdhamūrti is depicted as wearing Kirīṭa. Kirīṭa is displayed in the images of female deities also.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Journal of the Oriental Research Institute (JORI), p.434

[2]:

Ibid

[3]:

X.3.10

[4]:

XXI.6-20

[5]:

Avimāraka, IV.19; Raghuvaṃśa, IV.78,VI.19; Vikramorvaśīya, IV.67

[6]:

2.6.102

[7]:

II.15

[8]:

I.46

[9]:

I.13, 17

[10]:

p.19

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