History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c19.1

v1.c19.1

In ancient India cosmetic was limited to the use of *srk*, flower-garlands and *gandha*, sandal-paste to beautify the persons of gods and men (*RV*.IV.38.6; *AV*.I.14.1., and *Śat.Br*. XIII.5.4.2). The word *sugandhi*, well-perfumed is used twice in the *Ṛgveda* in connection with Agni and Rudra who is also a form of Agni. In *Ṛgveda* (VIII.19.24) Agni is described as carrying *havyāni* or oblations to different gods through his well-scented mouth - *āsā sugandhinā*. In *Ṛgveda* (VII. 59.12) Rudra is prayed to deliver one from death and bestow immortality. In this *mantra* Rudra is given an epithet, *sugandhim* or well-perfumed, which Western scholars like Griffith, Wilson and others translate, following Sayana, as “of widespread fame”. But as is clear from the earlier *mantra*, Rudra, that is Agni, is said to have “scented mouth” that is to say “scented flames”. In the present context mouth of Agni stands for its flames. Agni, as carrier of oblations of melted butter, cooked rice, barley cakes and other perfumed articles, must necessarily emit scented smoke. Thus its epithet *sugandhim*, well- perfumed, appears most appropriate. Moreover, in the *Khila*- portion of the *Ṛgveda*, *Śrīh*, the goddess of wealth is qualified as *gandhadvārām* or “having the gates of scented wood”. This indicates that in Vedic times, the kings and rich men possibly used to have the doors of their palatial mansions, made from sandal wood and the like.