The Indus Civilization c7.13

c7.13

A description of the jewellery worn by the people of the Indus Civilization naturally follows an account of their dress and general appearance, and it should be explained that our knowledge of their ornaments is derived chiefly from the various hoards which have been unearthed at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. This jewellery had been placed for safety in vessels of silver, copper, and bronze, and in most cases was found buried beneath the pavements of the houses. Perhaps the most interesting discovery was made by Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni, who unearthed at Mohenjo-daro a number of necklaces and fine hard stone beads, some of which were contained in a silver jar and others lying loose in the soil. It was possible to see, moreover, that this jar had once been wrapped up in a cotton cloth, for the patina that formed on it had preserved some of the material. Mr. Dikshit also unearthed at Mohenjo-daro a small silver vase containing some very fine necklaces, various silver and gold objects, including fillets, and fragments of scrap metal. At another place a very elaborate girdle was found in a large copper bowl, on top of which a copper dish had been placed to serve as a cover (Pl. L). At Harappa, Mr. Vats made a notable find of ornaments, some resembling the jewellery of Mohenjo-daro, and others quite unlike it in design. This last hoard was discovered in a bed of hard earth.