The following is the abstract of the research paper "Make-up Art in Medieval Karnataka" I presented at 17th Annual Convention of Karnataka Ithihasa Academy held at Badami (Bagalokot District, Karnataka) during 13th-15th of September 2003.
Men and women of olden times were as fond of make-up as of colorful dress. Art of doing "facials" was known. Use of several "creams" that rendered glow to face was in vogue. These ointments were prepared from sandal paste, musk, civet, saffron and various fragrant roots, leaves and flowers. Trimming eyebrows was prevalent. Various designs were drawn on temples, cheek, and use of callyrium rendered glow to eyes. Face powder (mukhavasa) prepared from dried sandal paste and camphor was cooling and refreshing. Tilaks (see also: bindi, nama) of various designs and hues were common to men and women, which were matching to their dress.
These details are available in old Kannada classics and shastra books. Preparation of various unguents, fit for the seasons are described in works like Lokopakaram and Manasallosa.
The paper attempts to throw light on certain make-up items of medieval Karnataka. All these beauty-aids were eco-friendly, homemade and cheap. Carrying make-up boxes was prevalent among men!
 Make-up of a Bharata Natya Dancer |  |
 |  Lady Puts on Makeup Wall Painting in a Jain Muth, Sravanabelagola |
• Wonder that was India
• Social Life in Ancient India
• The Human Body as a Medium of Art
