The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s7.55

v1.c7.s7.55

Gold ornaments were much in fashion and worn by both men and women, as shown in the paintings at Ajanta. Besides the well-known Kollar mines early gold workings have been found at Hatti, Wondapalli, and Maski, all situated in the Raichur district of the Hyderabad State. Maski was apparently an important centre of the gold industry since there has also been found carved on a rock an edict of Aśoka which mentions his name in addition to the customary appellation of *Devānaṃ Piya*. References in the Old Testament indicate that gold was exported from the Deccan through West-Indian ports to the Mediterranean countries, and Sir John Marshall is of opinion that the ornaments in this metal discovered at Mohenjo-dāro were made of gold mined in the Deccan, as is shown by chemical analysis of the metal employed.