By National Council of Science Museums
National Science Centre, New Delhi
The popular word 'Itr' may have its origins in the Persian word 'Itir', which means perfume or scent, but Indian knowledge was no less. Ancient Indian text, Brihatsamhita (500 AD) of Varahamihira, describes thirty seven verses dealing with the term 'gandhayukti', meaning blending of perfumes.
Vials of Ittar (Perfume) (2019-02)National Council of Science Museums
The word sugandhi, meaning well perfumed, is also mentioned in Rig Veda. Expressions involving the term 'gandha' are found in Taitriya Samhita, Maitrayani Samhita, Satapata Brahman and Taitriya Aranyaka.
Vials of Ittar (Perfume) (2019-02)National Council of Science Museums
Ancient Indian perfume technologists have prescribed six chemical processes for the production of cosmetic substance namely bhavanam, pacanam or paka, bodhah, vedhah, dhupanam, and vasanam.
Vials of Ittar (Perfume) (2019-02)National Council of Science Museums
Itr is made from the essential oils of natural ingredients such as Lavender, Amber, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Gurjum Balsam, Rosewood, Patchouli, Lime etc.
Pouring of Ittar (Perfume) into a Vial (2019-02)National Council of Science Museums
Cosmetics and Perfumes are now made from natural materials or artificial materials by extracting the aromatic molecules using different chemical processes, like distillation. The different essences may then be mixed in various proportions to get a particular kind of scent.
Vials of Ittar (Perfume) (2019-02)National Council of Science Museums
Cosmetic substances made from alchemical processes were also used in medicine.
Incence Sticks and a Vial of Ittar (Perfume) (2019-02)National Council of Science Museums
Susruta Samhita mentions the use of oil bath, scented oil, anjanam (for eyes), sandal paste, smearing face with scented powder etc. for maintaining proper health.
Diorama of a Traditional PerfumeryNational Council of Science Museums
Some traditional alchemical instruments, used by the Kannauj perfume makers, are on display in the gallery "Our Science and Technology Heritage of India' at the National Science Centre, Delhi.
This online exhibition is created by National Science Centre, New Delhi, a unit of National Council of Science Museums, India