History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c35.s1.23

v1.c35.s1.23

Varāhamihira’s Bṛhat Saṃhitā offers adequate information about the furniture which prevailed in his time. The words like Sayana or Śayyā (bed and bedstead as a whole), Khatvā (cot), Paryaṅka (couch or high seat), Āsana (a seat) Bhadrāsana or Bhadrapīṭha (throne), Pīṭha (a stool or a seat), Upadhāna (a pillow), Śayanācchādana or Śayanastāraṇa (bed sheet) are mentioned in the Bṛhat Saṃhitā to constitute furniture articles known to Varāhamihira’s time (Shastry, 1969, p. 251). The measurements of the couches meant for the kings, princes, ministers, army-chiefs and royal priests are prescribed. In the manufacture of a couch the Pradakṣiṇāgra order should be strictly adhered to. Paryaṅkas were usually made from the timber of a single tree. The Paryaṅka meant for royal household was fabricated from the sandal wood, covered with gold and decked with jewels.