Guest guest Posted June 19, 2003 Report Share Posted June 19, 2003 In one of usenet groups, I have seen discussion re. earliest references to China in Indian works. Most of the discussion was confined to reference to China as a country. I was wondering if one could go about looking for indirect references, references to related words or products. Here are a few things: Pra-cheena: This Sanskrit word means `ancient'. Does this come from the word `china' and mean older than China? Silk: Definitely a Chinese product. A Sanskrit word for silk is `cheenabaram', cloth from China. Sugar: Again a Chinese product. In many parts of Northern India, sugar is still called `cheeni'. Tea: In China, there are two words for Tea. One is Cha (mostly used in Northern India), the other is Te (used in many parts of Southern India( `Te-aku', `Te-neer'). Incidentally `Tea' comes from `Te' Citrus fruit: One type of citrus is called in the South as China- fruit (Cheenapalam or Cheenipandu) Regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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