Parmeshwar Devkota

AN umbrella is one of the tools essential for our day-to-day life. It comes third on the list of things we need after clothes and shoes as it helps protect our body from heavy rains and scorching heat of the sun. It also saves us from dogs and ditches. When such animals try to attack us, we can use the umbrella with us to safeguard ourselves. A carved or decorated umbrella stands for power and prestige as well.
We may not have much debate on the usefulness of this handy device, but there is a great debate about its invention. Before putting up some arguments in regard to the invention of umbrella, let me talk about its types.
Currently, three categories of umbrella seem to be in existence in the world. The parasols, ghum/swyaku, chopari and big hats are primitive types. A ghum is made with the cane strips knitted with the lives of camel’s foot climber, which is popularly known as Bhorlo. The parasol is flat cap which can be fixed on the head. Chopari is also made up with leaves, but the knitting system is different. Among those primitive devices, ghum is the most comfortable for farmers because it can be held on the head with the help of straps on both sides making hands free for work.
The second category has many improved varieties. The folded, unfolded, single coloured, multi-coloured, etc. Interestingly, wind-sheets, waterproof jackets and rain-coats can also be put under the ambit of this category. Youths like foldable light umbrellas, while the elderly ones prefer big undoable ones. One of the unsolved mysteries associated with umbrella is that women like multiple colours whereas, men want to have the black-coloured umbrella.
The third category has to do with the dignity and identity of users. The late democracy fighter Ganesh Man Singh, who undoubtedly was a leader having a strong willpower, used to carry unfolded big black umbrella. It used to be popularly known as Ganesh Man ko lauro. Another type of umbrella is used on special occasions like marriages of common people, and coronations of the kings and emperors.
Now, let us get indulged in the debate on the invention of the umbrella. As said earlier, the question that who invented such a useful device remains unanswered. When the issue of origin of anything on the planet comes, either the Chinese or British or Greek people rush to claim that it was their invention. But, in case of an umbrella, their claim will be pulverised.
It is true that the mass production of the second category umbrella began in Britain after the industrial revolution. But, it was the product of the Aryan society.
Two proofs are behind it. The first evidence is that if you visit any Aryan temple, you can see the idols of gods and goddesses covered with a Chatari. It might have inspired the Aryans to make one for the first times.
The second proof is that Dharma Yuddha was fought in the Mahabharat Era. That was in the Dwapar Yuga. If you can see the photographs of great warriors on both sides -- Kauraba and Pandavas -- they are seen using an umbrella. Bhisma, Karna and Yudhisthira had attached an umbrella to their chariots in the battlefield.
Furthermore, a legend shows that as Jamadagni, a skilled bow shooter in Mahabharat, knew his wife Renuka was suffering from an intense heat, he invented a device called Chatari to save her from the heat.
All of these descriptions prove that the umbrella was an Aryan invention.