In a fanciful expression of humility, a 13th-century Sanskrit author
compares his work to a kadatumbī (according to the MS) in
which to cross the ocean. I haven't found that exact word anywhere,
but Monier-Williams gives 'a kind of bitter gourd' for kaṭutumbī,
which might be meant. Do we know what kind that might be (that is,
what it should be called in English), or does anyone have a
qualified guess? I confess to a complete ignorance of gourds, though
I would assume it to be some fairly large and rounded variety,
perhaps used to make bowls or the like. MW gives Suśruta as his
reference.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions,
Martin Gansten