History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.s2.1

v1.c20.s2.1

Dyes were used in cosmetics also. Chief among the cosmetics in ancient India was a paste of sandalwood, often coloured with lac and other dyes, smeared over the body and applied in different patterns. Collyrium (eye-salve) or añjana made of dark powdered antimony was very popular. Vermilion (sindura), lac (laksā) and a yellow pigment gorocana were used for marking as tilaka on the forehead. Lips, tips of fingers, toes, the palms and soles of feet were often dyed with red lac. Exposed parts of the body were also often painted with these dyes in different designs (Basham, pp 212-213). Betel leaves were chewed with lime and areca to redden the lips.