History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c34.s1.1

v1.c34.s1.1

The Buddhist monuments at Bharhut, Sāñcī, Bodhgayā and Amarāvatī, which are attributed to the Sunga and Sātavāhana phase of Indian history, provide ample evidence on Indian jewellery through their intricate stone carvings. The jewellery, as noticed through the carvings of the figurative sculptures, is important for two significant reasons, viz; firstly the forms of jewellery have been continued throughout the ages with little or no change and secondly, the identification of various ornaments worn by the male and female figures at Bharhut can easily be made with the help of ancient literature of India. Another important fact which can be brought out by studying early sculptural art of India is that the trait of wearing beautiful jewellery was common with the male and female sections of the society. Further, the jewellery was worked in precious and semi- precious metals and the same was encrusted with the pearls and glittering gems for the royal use.