Age of the Nandas and Mauryas c12.s2.42

c12.s2.42

The use of jewellery may be traced back to the Indus peoples of prehistoric times. The profession of a jeweller (*maṇikāra*) is referred to in the *Vājasaneyi-Saṃhitā* and the *Taittirīya Brāhmaṇa*¹. Coming to post-Vedic times, we find the *Jātakas* referring to pearls, crystals and jewels as well as the art of cutting and polishing gems for ornaments². Kauṭilya (ii. 11) shows acquaintance with pearls (*muktika*), jewels (*maṇi*), diamonds (*vajra*) and corals (*pravāla*) of Indian as well as foreign origin. What is more, he carefully notes the characteristics of good and bad pearls as well as the different colours and qualities of rubies, beryls, sapphires, crystals, diamonds and corals. The skill of the manufacturing jeweller is indicated by the fact that Kauṭilya mentions no less that five varieties of pearl necklaces (*yaṣṭi*) which are sub-divided into other classes. In a postscript, he adds that the same varieties apply to the ornaments for the head, arms, feet and waist. Coming definitely to the Nanda-Maurya times we find that the Indian love of ornaments is pointedly referred to by a Greek writer³.