Author Description

James Mchugh Offers The First Comprehensive Examination Of The Concepts And Practices Related To Smell In Pre-modern India. Drawing On A Wide Range Of Textual Sources, From Poetry To Medical Texts, He Shows The Deeply Significant Religious And Cultural Role Of Smell In India Throughout The First Millennium Ce. Introduction -- Earth, Wind, Foul And Fragrant: The Theory Of Smelling And Odors In Medieval South Asia -- Lotus, Fish, And Cows: The Smell-scape Of Traditional South Asia -- Flowers And Fish In The Mahabharata -- Moon Juice And Uproar: Perfumery Texts -- Allies, Enemies, And Yaka Mud: Perfumes -- The Incense Trees Of The Land Of Emeralds: Exotic Aromatics In Medieval South Asia -- Sandalwood: Merchants, Expertise And Profit -- Bois Des îsles -- The Toilette Of The Gods. James Mchugh. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [295]-311) And Index.