A Forgotten Empire (Vijayanagar): A Contribution to the History of India c21.s2.138

c21.s2.138

² *Laudeis*. This word, variously spelt, is constantly used. It appears to refer to the thick quilted tunics, strengthened by leather or metal pieces, which were so often worn in India in old days. They were in many cases richly ornamented, and formed a good defence against sword-cuts. The pillars of the elaborately ornamented *Kalyâna Mandapa* of the temple in the fort at Vellore in North Arcot, which was built during the Vijayanagar period, are carved with rearing horses, whose riders wear jerkins, apparently of leather, fastened with buttons and loops. It is possible that this was the body-clothing referred to by the chronicler. I can give no clue to the origin of the word, unless it be connected with the Kanarese *lôdu*, "a stuffed cloth or cushion." Barros, describing the dress of the Hindu cavalry in the Raichûr campaign of 1520, says that they wore *laudees* of cotton (*embutidos*, whatever that may mean in this context—lit. "inlaid"), on body, head, and arms, strong enough to protect them against lance-thrusts or sword-cuts; the horses and elephants were similarly protected. Foot-soldiers carried no defensive armour "but only the *laudees*." —Dec. III. l. iv. c. 4.