Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Waist Ornaments (c): Kanci’ 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. Waist Ornaments (c): Kāñcī
Kāñcī is a girdle for ladies, with one string. Gold, jewel and flowers were used to make it. Jingle sound producing ones were also in fashion. It is exhibited in the images of the deities.
In Matsyapurāṇa, references are made to Kāñcī with gem settings and jingling sound producing ones[1].
Nāṭyaśāstra defines Kāñcī as a girdle with one string made of gold for women[2].
Kālidāsa also attests the use of such a type. For a gold Kāñcī, Kālidāsa uses the names Hemakāñcī, Kāñcanakāñcī, Kanakakāñcī etc.[3].
Karpūramañjarī gives information about Padmarāgamaṇikāñcī, which is studded with ruby[4]. Kāñcī is referred to in Vālmīki-rāmāyaṇa, Skandapurāṇa, Amarakośa, Bṛhatsaṃhitā and Priyadarśikā also[5].
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
154.556, 106.39, 139.41, 43, 39
[2]:
XXI.22-42
[3]:
Ṛtusaṃhāra, VI, III.26, IV.4, III.29; Raghuvaṃśa, III.21
[4]:
Act V
[5]:
Vālmīki-rāmāyaṇa, V.2.27; Skandapurāṇa, Amarakośa, 2.3.108; Bṛhatsaṃhitā, LV6; Priyadarśikā, p.50