An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c15.s1.28

v1.c15.s1.28

Like geometrically shaped beads, amulets [12.1] and pendants also have a wide range of shapes and motifs. They are also executed in a wide range of materials. While pendants were decorative, amulets were believed to have a magical as well as curative value and have been referred to in literature. Eight auspicious symbols (*aṣṭamaṅgala*) known to literature are shown as forming a garland on the n. pillar of the w. gateway of Stūpa 1 of Sanchi. Individually too, some symbols were considered to be auspicious, for instance the *svastika*, *nandyāvarta*, *ghaṭa*, *tri-ratna* and pipal leaf, which are repeated in various materials. Shapes such as amulets looking like tiger-claw were supposed to ward off the effects of the evil eye. Some other amulets were shaped after animals, for instance the lion, elephant, bull, horse, ram, dog, cat, monkey, *makara*, frog, tortoise and so on. The frog charm is referred to in the *Atharvaveda* as effective against fever, whereas tortoise amulets were supposed to be conducive to longevity. In addition amulets in the shape of birds and parts of the human body like the leg, the hand and the head are also known from different sites.