Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s1.297

v1.c3.s1.297

Ā-sandī.—This is a generic term for a seat of some sort, occurring frequently in the later Saṃhitās¹ and Brāhmaṇas,² but not in the Rigveda. In the Atharvaveda³ the settle brought for the Vrātya is described at length. It had two feet, lengthwise and cross-pieces, forward and cross-cords, showing that it was made of wood and also cording. It was also covered with a cushion (Āstaraṇa) and a pillow (Upabarhaṇa), had a seat (Āsāda) and a support (Upaśraya). Similar seats are described in the Kauṣītaki Upaniṣad⁴ and the Jaiminīya Brāhmaṇa.⁵ The seat for the king at the royal consecration is described in very similar terms in the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa,⁶ where the height of the feet is placed at a span, and the lengthwise and cross-pieces are each to be a cubit, while the interwoven part (vivayana) is to be of Muñja grass, and the seat of Udumbara wood. In another passage of the Atharvaveda⁷ Lanman seems to take the seat meant as a ‘long reclining chair.’ There also a cushion (Upadhāna) and coverlet (Upavāsana) are mentioned. The Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa repeatedly describes the Āsandī in terms showing that it was an elaborate seat. In one place⁸ it is said to be made of Khadira wood, perforated (vi-tṛṇṇā), and joined with straps (vardhra-yutā) like that of the Bhāratas. At the Sautrāmaṇī rite⁹ (an Indra sacrifice) the seat is of Udumbara wood, is knee-high, and of unlimited width and depth, and is covered with plaited reed-work. The imperial seat¹⁰ is to be shoulder-high, of Udumbara wood, and wound all over with cords of Balvaja grass (*Eleusina indica*). Elsewhere¹¹ the seat is a span high, a cubit in width and depth, of Udumbara wood, and covered with reed-grass cords, and daubed with clay.