समराङ्गचूडामणि में वस्त्र एवं आभूषणों के उल्लेख

Summary

This Hindi article studies the references to fabrics and ornaments in the medieval technical treatise ‘Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra’ (also called ‘Samarāṅgaṇacūḍāmaṇi’). The author surveys the text’s descriptions of different types of cloth—silk, cotton, fine ‘dukūla’, ‘atisūkṣma’ (very fine), and coarse varieties—and notes how they were woven with threads of gold or silver, dyed in vivid colours, and used for garments. She examines the enumerations of ornaments for both men and women, including necklaces, earrings, armlets, waistbands and anklets, and describes their materials and motifs. The article cross‑references other Sanskrit sources such as the Agni Purāṇa and commentaries to interpret obscure terms and to place the descriptions in broader historical and cultural contexts. It argues that the variety and sophistication of textiles and ornaments in the treatise reflect the prosperity of the society and the refinement of its aesthetic tastes. The author also discusses the social symbolism of clothing and jewellery, emphasising how certain fabrics were reserved for royalty or religious ceremonies, while others were common in daily life. By comparing the treatise’s prescriptions with archaeological finds and other literary evidence, she demonstrates that the text provides valuable insights into the material culture of early medieval India. The article concludes that the Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra is not only a treatise on architecture and ritual but also a rich source for understanding the economic and cultural life of its time. It shows that textiles and ornaments were integral to identity and status, and their detailed enumeration in the text reveals an elaborate art of dress and decoration. The study thus contributes to the cultural history of India by highlighting the intersection of technical literature, material culture and social stratification.