History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c34.s2.13

v1.c34.s2.13

The kings preferred gems mostly of red and yellow colours (Kazim, VIII). Pearls were profusely used as festoons in jewellery. The kings maintained a band of artists and skilled craftsmen in the court. Rajasekhara, a poet of the Gurjara-Pratiharas mentions the presence of the jewellers, gem-setters, and goldsmiths amongst artisans seated at western end of the royal court (Kazim, X). Amongst the favourite ornaments of the ladies, the *Cūḍāratna* or *Śikhāmani* was put on the hair; *Niṣka* was a necklace made of coins or the big golden beads; *Manilatā* was a golden chain studded with gems; *kuṇḍalas* were the ear-ornaments; *kaṭisūtra* was a golden chain for the waist and the ‘*Nūpura*’ or ‘*Manjirā*’ were the anklets (Kazim, V.). Some new names to be met in the literature of this period are the *Dalāvitaka* and *Sīsapatraka*. These are mentioned as ear-rings, which must have been shaped like lotus petals and leaves (Damodara gupta, 1924, p. 65). The *Valayakalapi* were the bracelets shaped as peacock (Damodara gupta, p. 345). The *Tittibhika* was a neck ornament worn by the ladies of the period (Damodara gupta, p. 739).