chatra

English

Lakshmi or Vasudhara with stylized chatra above, 9th or 10th cent. Java, Indonesia

Alternative forms

• chhatra

Etymology

From Sanskrit छत्र (chatra), variant of छत्त्र (chattra, “umbrella, parasol, chatra”). Doublet of chador and chatta.

Noun

chatra (plural chatras)

1. (India) Synonym of umbrella or parasol, particularly ritual or ceremonial forms.
   • 1926, S. Krishnaswami Aiyangar, “Studies in Gupta History”, in Journal of Indian History: University Supplement, page 9:

     The so-called Chatra coins of the Guptas seem in all probability, to have been the issue of Chandragupta I to begin with... This variety apart from the noticeable distinction in the figure of the monarch and the umbrella bearer contains the obverse legend Chandragupta merely, with the reverse legend Vikramaditya.

   • 1982, Anantray Jatashanker Rawal, Indian Society, Religion, and Mythology..., p. 98: #*:

     CHATRA (UMBRELLA)
     In the Gupta period, Brahmins used a Chatra.

   • 2003, V.R. Ramachandra Dikshitar, The Puraṇa Index, volume I, page 617:

     Chatra (I)—the seven worlds, white in colour, are one above the other umbrella-like...
     Chatra (II)—the white umbrella as insignia of royalty given to Kāmaśvara by Viṣṇu...