History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.s3.t3.6

v1.c20.s3.t3.6

In ancient and medieval period, as seen even today, the main doors and entrances of houses were decorated with the figures of Ṣaṣṭī Devatā, Nāga, auspicious motifs like *svastika*, lotus etc. These were done with a paste of *haridrā*. Doorsteps of Hindu homes were decorated with colourful designs drawn with coloured powders called *Raṅgoli*. Red ochre, chalk powder, charcoal, green powder of dried leaves of some plants, *haridrā*, *nīlī* etc. were used for drawing *Raṅgoli*.