Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c6.s2.t1.40

c6.s2.t1.40

Mention may be made in this connection of some minor industries, for instance coral work, ivory work, imitation jewellery. Coral work was done in Gujarat and Bengal. The cornelians of Gujarat were of great excellence and were even exported outside India.⁵ A limited amount of ivory work was done in certain places. The ivory workers showed great skill in turning out inland and other plain articles, for instance, bracelets, bangles, sword-hilts, dice, chessmen, chess boards, bedsteads in black, yellow, red, and blue and many other colours, which were sent over to many cities in India.¹ The making of imitation pearls was becoming popular. Barbosa was particularly impressed by those of Gujarat.² Similarly many references are found in Bengali literature to the manufacture of artificial birds, plants, and flowers.³ Wood-work of excellent quality was done throughout the country. It was necessary for various needs of the household, for instance, doors, pegs, seats, toys, bedsteads, and other implements and vessels.