Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c12.s2.16

c12.s2.16

Before closing the subject of textile manufacture, we may mention a few of its finer forms known at that period. The use of embroidered cloth (*pesas*) is as old as the *Ṛgveda*, its manufacture according to a *Yajus Saṃhitā* text being normally carried on by women¹. The *Jātakas* refer to golden turbans used by kings and golden trappings for the use of State elephants². In the times of the Nandas and the Mauryas, gold-embroidered garments were worn by Indians evidently of the richer class. This is borne out by the testimony of Strabo, who says (xv. 1.54). 'They (the Indians) wear apparel embroidered with gold and use ornaments set with precious stones and gay-coloured linen garments'³. These gorgeous dresses were specially displayed during festive occasions. Describing the festive processions of the Indians, Strabo (xv. 1. 69) mentions not only the train of elephants adorned with gold and silver, but also the attendants wearing 'garments embroidered and inter-woven with gold.' Curtius, again, in the course of his description of the Indian king's public appearance, says that the king is 'robed in fine muslin embroidered with purple and gold.'