Gems And Jewelry
The discussion about Indian crafts and
culture is meaningless without the reference
to gems and jewelry. Indians have been obsessed
with use of gems and jewelry from the beginning
of Indian civilization. This obsession is
not only fuelled by religious practices
and myths but also by economic and social
reasons.
Jewelry made of gold, silver, copper, terracotta
and beads have been found from various sites
belonging to the Indus valley civilization.
Though there is some reference to ancient
jewelry making, the Mughals rulers took
jewelry making to new heights. Not only
Islamic designs
and motifs were incorporated
into the Indian jewelry tradition, but new
techniques like enameling, damascening,
engraving and inlaying were introduced by
them. The richly adorned and embellished
peacock throne of the Mughals is the finest
example of their excellence in working with
precious metals and stones. There is a profusion of jewelry styles
across the country. All sorts of material
like gold, silver, copper, coral, pearl,
precious and semi-precious stones are used
in making jewelry. Each region has its own
distinct flavor, which reflects local tradition
and influences. Rajasthan and Delhi are
known for meenakari and enameling. Pearl
jewelry is common in Maharashtra and Andhra
Pradesh. Gold and silver jewelry is common
to most regions of the country. Silver predominates
most of the traditional jewelry of the tribals.
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