The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.271.3

v1.c10.271.3

The *Mahābhārata* makes frequent mention of the umbrella as a mark of royal dignity, and, in the *Dānadharma* section, enjoins the gift of white umbrellas having a hundred ribs, as a religious act calculated to ensure the donor long residence in the heaven of Indra, respected by gods, heavenly choristers and Brāhmaṇs.¹²⁶ Pāṇini mentions the *chatra*, and gives its derivation ( VI. 4.97 ), and the Smṛtikāras, both ancient and modern, all follow the *Mahābhārata* in praising the gift of the umbrella, as an act of great merit. According to the *Yuktikalpataru* umbrellas are of two kinds, special or royal, and ordinary. The latter is again of two kinds, according as it is handled—*sadaṇḍa*, or handleless—*nirdaṇḍa*.¹²⁷ The former was adapted to open [ **108** ] and shut at pleasure. Its principal parts were the stem, sliding frame, ribs, threads, cloth, and pin. The stem or handle, in a well-made umbrella, should be in the present age four cubits long, the sliding frame two spans, the ribs three cubits, and the cloth twice the length of the ribs. The pin, which supplies, the place of the modern spring to lock the sliding frame, is reckoned at eight fingers. These proportions, however, should, in the opinion of the author under notice, vary according to the rank of the owner. Rules are also given by him for royal umbrellas of various kinds. An umbrella with the stem and frame of choice wood, and of ribs of selected bamboo, and thread and cloth of a red colour, is good for kings.