Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c39.s7.12

v2.c39.s7.12

Shellac or lac was known in the age of the *Atharva Veda* (*AV*, 5.5.1-9) as *lākṣā* or *silāci*. The word *lākṣā* signified *lakhs* of larvae swarming out of a single lac incrustation. The dye component of lac *hiraṇyavarne subhage lākṣe* (*AV*, 5.5.7) was used to colour garments. It was also used as medicine in case of injury by weapons (*AV*, 4.12.1-7, 5.5.1-9).