Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c9.t18.1

c9.t18.1

Among the miscellaneous industries, may be mentioned the dye-producing work. Probably dyes were made from substances such as cikura (a plant) haritāla (yellow orpiment), sarisava (mustard), the flowers of kimsuka, japākusuma and bandhujīvaka, hingula (vermilion), kumkuma (saffron), blue lotus, sirīsa flowers, and collyrium, etc.²⁰⁶ The colour of kimarāya (crimson) is mentioned.207 Preparation of lac-juice (lakkhārasa) was also an important industry, and it was used by ladies and children for adorning their hands and feet.208 It is mentioned in the cremation rites that the mark of red lac (alattapudaga) was applied to the stomach and back of those who were given to vultures for feeding.209 A variety of stone, which was used for polishing the pots, is mentioned.210