History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c34.4

v1.c34.4

Besides, the possession of gems and jewellery in ancient India was further inspired by an element of personal safety against future odds of poverty as well as natural mishaps in one's life. The gems and jewellery have always a re-sale value and the same can be converted into cash as per the need and wish of the owner. The malleable quality of the precious metals, like gold and silver, however, proved to be detrimental to the continuity of old forms. The frequent melting of old ornaments led to an extinction of ancient jewellery of India. However, the ornaments made of base metals have preserved the ancient forms of Indian jewellery. Today, it is difficult to get good specimens of old Indian jewellery except in temples of southern India, wherein the temple-jewellery is still kept intact. Again, the treasure- troves and archaeological excavations have also occasionally brought to light some of the precious remains of ancient Indian jewellery which not only exhibit high excellence and perfection that the craft had attained but also throw adequate light on the economic prosperity. The old jewellery also throws light on social norms including the social customs and traits, motivations and behaviour, concepts and ideas and myth and philosophy of the people.