upscools
U.P.P.C.S. (Spl) (Mains) 2008

Ancient Material Culture

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The term 'Kausheya' has been used for-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Ancient Indian literature used specific Sanskrit terms to categorize textiles based on their source material (plant fibers, animal hair, or insect cocoons).

Explanation The term 'Kausheya' is used for silk in texts like the Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Kautilya's Arthashastra. It is derived from the word 'Kosa', which means 'cocoon'.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The derivation from 'Kosa' (cocoon) identifies it as a product of sericulture.
Logic 2: Kausheya was a luxury fabric worn primarily by royalty and priests for religious ceremonies.
Logic 3: Distractors like cotton (Karpassa) and wool (Urna) had their own distinct Sanskrit classifications.

Active Recall

Question

What does the word 'Kosa' mean in the context of textiles?

Answer

It means 'cocoon,' referring to the protective casing from which silk threads are harvested.

Core Insight

The use of the term Kausheya in medical texts like the Sushruta Samhita for 'articles of bandaging' shows that silk had both luxury and functional applications in ancient India.

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