The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.271.2

v1.c10.271.2

"The umbrella or parasol", says Layard, "that emblem of royalty so universally adopted by Eastern nations, was generally carried over the king in time of peace, and sometimes even in war. In shape it resembled very closely those now in common use; but it is always seen open in the sculptures. It was edged with tassels, and was usually ornamented at the top by a flower or some other ornament. On the later bas-reliefs a long piece of embroidered linen, or silk, falling from one side like a curtain appears to screen the king completely from the sun. The parasol was reserved exclusively for the monarch, and is never represented as borne over any other person".¹²⁵ The Moslim sovereigns of India were likewise very particular about the use of the umbrella by other than royal personages. But the Indians, like the Egyptians, were not so exclusive. They permitted the *chāttā* to be used by other than kings, though they entertained the idea that the right to bear an umbrella, belonged chiefly to persons of considerable distinction. The king is par excellence the *Chatrapati*, or "the Lord of the Umbrella", and the title is even now held in higher estimation than that of Rājā or Mahārājā. The king of Burmah is proud to call himself "the Lord of Twenty-four Umbrellas", and the Emperor of China carries that number of parasols even to his hunting field.