The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.256.1

v1.c10.256.1

**Sofas, Chairs, Benches, &c. :** Of ottomans, five kinds are described in books; the first measuring three feet by one foot six inches, with a height of nine inches, called *Sukhāsana*; the second, six feet by three, with a height of one foot six inches, called *Jayāsana*; the third, nine feet by four feet six inches, with a height of two feet three inches, called *Śubhāsana*; the fourth, twelve feet by six, with a height of three feet, called *Siddhyāsana*; and fifth, fifteen feet by seven feet six inches, with a height of three feet nine inches, called *Sampatāsana*. Others, called *Janaka, Rājapīṭha, Kelipīṭha* and *Aṅgapīṭha*, are also occasionally mentioned. These were made, according to choice, of metal, stone or wood, and carved into various shapes. Of metals, gold, silver, copper, and brass, were most esteemed, and iron condemned, except for purposes of incantations. Of stones, the gritty sandstone alone was condemned, and the other kinds recommended with the proviso, that the colour of the stone should correspond with that of the planet which presided for the time being on the destiny of the person who was to use the seat; thus when a man happened to be under the influence of Saturn, he had to use a stone seat of a blue colour; but if Venus happened to be the presiding planet, a bright yellow stone was the most appropriate. Crystal formed an exception to this rule, and was reckoned fit for use at all times.