History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c34.s2.14

v1.c34.s2.14

The early Muslim invaders from the Arab (Bagdad) did not leave any abiding impact on Indian culture. The Muslim rulers in India, prior to the Mughals, were constantly engaged in warfare to establish their political suzerainty. The historians too were obsessed with the political situations and left little record of arts and crafts. The extant specimens are not of much artistic significance. The Mughals, had a great regard for the Persian cultural norms and their interest heralded a new era and opened wider horizons for the Indian craftsmen. The Indian artisanship, which was passing through the stage of depression and stagnation, received a new lease of life. It acted with fresh vigour and enthusiasm to develop new techniques and perfection and thereafter produced masterpieces in fields of Indian art and crafts. Although, no significant new forms seem to have been introduced in Indian jewellery yet, the craftsmanship had considerably improved. The sophisticated taste and the magnificence shown by the Mughal emperors to Indian artisanship, gave an unprecedented impetus to the art of Indian jewellery. The talented artists of India used their indigenous skill and artistry to fashion the most beautiful ornaments. This happy blending of the alien taste and Indian workmanship provided a new look and extraordinary charm to the crafts of Indian jewellery.