Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Materials (g): Vaidurya (Lapis lazuli, cat’s eye)’ 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 (g): Vaiḍūrya (Lapis lazuli, cat’s eye)
Vaiḍūrya was created from the nose of the demon Bala[1]. Kāca (Glass), Gairika (Mountain glass), Sphaṭika (crystal) and Śiśupāla are the four varieties of Vaiḍūrya. Of these, Sphaṭika has a blue shade and is considered the best among the four. A scratch cannot be made on Kāca. Gairika is glossy. It has various colours. Mention is made of a dark Vaiḍūrya in Pratimānāṭaka[2] of Bhāsa.
Based on its colour, Kauṭilya refers eight varieties[3]. They are as follows.
| Name | Colour |
| Utpalavarṇa | Resembles red lotus |
| Śirīṣapuṣpaka | Looks like Śirīṣa flower |
| Udakavarṇa | Similar to water |
| Vāṃśarāga | Of bamboo leaf |
| Śukapatra | Like parrot feather |
| Puṣyarāga | Turmeric coloured |
| Gomūtraka | Resembles cow's urine |
| Gomedaka | Like Gorocana |
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Garuḍapurāṇa, I.72.2.
[2]:
V.9
[3]:
DAOAI, p.143