History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c34.5

v1.c34.5

The art of jewellery in ancient India forms an interesting study. Both the archaeological and literary sources throw ample light on the subject, right from Indus Valley period to the beginning of British rule in India. A metallic figure of a dancing girl from Mohenjodaro would suggest the use of various ornaments, such as the necklaces, armlets, wristlets and bangles during the Indus Valley civilization. Ivory seems to have been the main medium for producing bangles and other ornaments at Mohenjodaro and Harappa. Further, the excavations at Mohenjodaro and Harappa have yielded a large variety of beads of numerous shapes and materials. The strung beads were worn as armlets, bracelets, necklaces and girdles during Indus Valley period. The beads of the precious metals, like gold and silver must have been scarcely used, as they are found in less quantity. The beads of semi-precious stones, like jadeite, carnelian, jasper, steatite, quartz, agate, onyx and black chert have been found in abundance. The beads of less costly material, such as the terracotta, shell, wood and clay must have been used by the poor people. The glass beads have also been found.