Pyrotechnics, cosmetics and perfumes
Fireworks, cosmetics, perfumes and gemmology.
The essentials
Pyrotechnics: Fireworks using gunpowder became popular in India in the medieval period, especially at festivals, weddings and royal celebrations, as paintings and travellers' accounts show. Military rockets were also used. The rulers of Mysore, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, used rockets with iron casings in the late 18th century against the British. These "Mysorean rockets" had longer range than earlier rockets and influenced the development of the British Congreve rocket.
Cosmetics: Evidence of cosmetic use goes back to the Harappans, who made bronze mirrors and small containers, and used kohl-like eye cosmetics. Texts and art mention anjana (collyrium for the eyes), alaktaka (red lac dye for the feet), sindura, sandal paste, and turmeric. Hair oils and herbal pastes were prepared from plants.
Perfumes: The Brihat Samhita of Varahamihira has a section (gandhayukti) on blending fragrant materials. The Kamasutra's list of 64 arts includes making perfumes. Indian perfumers developed attar — natural oils obtained by steam distillation of flowers, collected in sandalwood oil. Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh is famous for attar made with the traditional deg-bhapka method (copper stills connected to receivers).
Gemmology: Texts called Ratnapariksha ("examination of gems") describe how to test gems by colour, hardness, transparency and flaws. The Arthashastra and the Brihat Samhita also discuss gems. India was famous for diamonds, especially from the Golconda region, and the navaratna (nine gems) were valued in jewellery.
Key points
- Mysorean rockets: iron casings; Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
- Anjana, alaktaka, sindura — traditional cosmetics.
- Attar: steam distillation; Kannauj; deg-bhapka.
- Ratnapariksha: gem testing; Golconda diamonds.
Exam tips
- Remember the link between Mysorean rockets and Congreve rockets.
Common mistakes
- Thinking attar is an alcohol-based scent; traditional attar is oil-based.