Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c12.45

c12.45

‘Vāsa.’ Vāsa is the lower garment which may be made of the following materials, viz. (1) *śāṇa*, hemp ; (2) *kshauma*, fibre of *atasi* plant ; (3) *chīra*, *darbha*, or *kuśa* grass ; (4) *kutapa*, wool derived from mountain goats and used to make *kambala* or blankets ; and (5) *kārpāsa*, cotton. According to Vasishṭha, it may be only woven cotton cloth (*tāntavam*). But it should be woven or manufactured in the home of the pupil for purposes of the ceremony [*Vāsaḥ sadyaḥ kṛittotam* (Baudhāyana, *G.S.*, ii, 5, 11)]. This shows the use of loom and *khaddar* in every household in those days. According to *Taittirīya Āraṇyaka* [ii, 1], cloth could alternate with skin (*ajinaṁ vāso vā dakshiṇataḥ upavīya*).