The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.266

v1.c10.266

Other instances of the same description may be easily multiplied. When men of rank are represented seated on sofas, they are attended by servants holding *cauris* and an umbrella; but in *zenana* scenes the attendants bear betel boxes and palm-leaf fans. The ordinary attendant in such cases is a pot-bellied, big-breasted, elderly story-teller, seated in front. Sometimes female musicians and songstresses are also delineated. The mistress generally sits cross-legged, occasionally having in her hand a flat, small, circular mirror with a long projecting handle, a requisite of female toilet which seems to have been a great favourite with ancient Indian belles, and is frequently alluded to in old Sanskrit works.