6. Ornaments and Gems in the Rigveda

In the Rgveda, silver has been mentioned only once (rajata 8.25.22) The Sarasvati valley has been far from the sources of silver. The Indus system of rivers however provided bank sands. containing alluvial gold particles. These rivers were called hiranyavartani (6.61.7, 8.26.18, 10.75.8), the golden ways. Quite naturally, the Rgveda contains references to many golden objects such as a pitcher made of gold (1.117.12). Khadi was the general tem for golden ornaments: bracelet, armlet or (5.58.2), anklet bangle hastesu khadi (1.168.3) khadi hastam patsu (5.54.11), shoulder decoration

II-10 amsesu khadayo (7.56.13) etc. on the finger, khadi was known as vrsakhadit or ring (1.64.10). Amlet or kavaca was also known as pratyatkan (5.55.6). The golden crown or tiara was known as sipra; this was worn on the forehead: siprah sirsasu vitata hiranyayih (5.54.11, 8.7.25) Rukma was defined as the chest ornament made of gold: vaksahsu rukma (5.54.11). Gold ornamental pieces to decorate neck were known as niska (2.33.10). Niska griba meant golden necklace (5.19.3). There was no minted money or golden coin during the Rgvedic era, but possibly niska, as a golden lump, often served as the barter or exchange unit of money (1.126.2, 4.37.4, 5.27.2). Anji (5.53.4) and swadha (4.10.6) were certain kinds of ornaments, the details of which are not known. Karnasovana (8.78.3) was evidently the golden ornament for the ear. Excavation: at Banawali have yielded gold necklaces, gold beads and gold-plated terracotta beads (Bisht, 1982). The Rgveda refers to gems or ratna several times starting from its very first hymn (1.1.1). The other name of gem was mani that which decorates (mandana). Gems other than metallic gems were specially recognised. hiranyena manina sumbhamanah (1.33.8) hikhyaka manigrivam (1.122.14)

II-11 The latter reference alludes to golden ear-ring and a necklace made of gems the like of which has been found at Banawali (Bisht, 1982). The Rgveda does not discuss different kinds of fic gems but at least one, namely pearl or kraana has been specially (1.35.4). mentioned: abhivrtam krsanai Archaeological excavations at Kalibangan have yielded bangles of copper, shell and terra-cotta, beads of shell, copper, agate and carnelian, copper mirrors, ivory combs etc. At the Banawali we find in Pre-Harappan level beads of gold, semi-precious stones, steatite (including disc beads), faience, shell, bone and clay; bangles of shell, faience and copper. At the Mature Harappan level, a jewelry dealer's large house has been excavated. This was found to contain beads of etched cornelian, gold and lapis lazuli. Also found were gold-plated terracotta beads and numerous steatite seals. At Banawali, beautiful golden ornaments and finely cut smoky brown crystal stones showed the heights of fine gem craftsmanship. Evidently this river-port was an important and prosperous trading centre. During the Post-Harappan period, the cultural pattern changed at Banawali. The Harappan seal, chert weights, steatite disc beads etc. disappeared. The Indus economy had collapsed. But the qualitative and quantitative profusion of faience ornaments such as bangles, anklets, rings, beads and pipal leaf-shaped earnings continued to meet the local requirements. faience items had noteworthy and shiny silvery coatings. The