Indian Jewellery – Now and then
Known for the intricate patterns and beautiful designs, Indian jewellery is in great demand all over the world. As old as Indian civilisation itself, the origin of jewellery in India can be traced back to 5000 years ago. Jewellery excavated from the sites of Indus valley civilisation shows that bead jewellery was very much in fashion in those times. Although women were more fond of it, men also wore beads. Women also loved earrings and bracelets made of shells and clay, which were black in color and resembled doughnuts. In fact, handcrafted jewellery out of seeds, feathers, leaves, berries, fruits, flowers, animal bones was also made as part of body jewellery. Jewellery was not just seen as an adornment in those times but it was also seen as protection against evil forces and that's why a maniratna or sandalwood beads were worn. Beaded jewellery remained very popular till 2100 BC. However, by 1500 BC, the concept of metal evolved and gold necklaces, metallic bangles and beautiful gold earrings were made. In fact, we started importing gold and exporting diamond. India being the first country to mine diamonds in 296 BC, started trading them for other precious commodities from other countries. Gold and silver became the most used metals as they were considered to be sacred. Gold represented the warmth of the sun and silver the calmness of the moon. As gold did not corrode with time, it was associated with immortality in Hindu tradition. In fact, gold was so popular in ancient India that it finds mention in most ancient Indian literatures like Silappatikaram. A special bracelet called kada was also worn by people from time immemorial. The patterns of kada were inspired by peacock, elephants and other such animals. With the royalty coming into picture, wearing gold jewellery became the right of the priveleged, i.e the ...
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