History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c35.s1.28

v1.c35.s1.28

The large thrones (*āsandis*) are in no way different from the smaller thrones except that they provide accommodation for two or three persons. These large thrones or *sofas* did not gain favour in early period. However their popularity seemed to have increased in the late Śātavāhana and the Ikṣvāku periods but again dwindled in the Kuṣāṇa and Vākāṭaka periods. It is quite probable that these large thrones could have been the contribution or the innovation of the Śātavāhanas and the Ikṣvākus. The modern name *Sofa* is of Eastern origin and was first used in 1680 to designate a Diwan like seat in France. The same type had also been called *Canape*. It has a back and arms at each end but was distinct from the settee by its greater comfort.