Ear Ornaments of Ancient India
Description:... Illustrations:
330 colour 80 b/w illustrations
Description:
This is the first time that earrings worn in ancient India are studied comprehensively taking into account the excavated material which is compared to the earrings depicted on the sculptures of the different periods. A classification is attempted on the basis of types, shapes, materials and periods. Some revealing conclusions emerge, like the perennity of some forms, the permanency of the symbols depicted on them, which are mostly solar, their origin in the Harappan culture, and the geographical unity of the usage of certain types. A large number of coloured photographs show the earrings worn from the Harappan period into medieval India. The moulds to make metal earrings are also studied - particularly, the controversial stone discs and rings. Additionally, the nandipada or taurine symbol, the Mother Goddess, the conch shell, the beads, amulets, as also solar symbolism are studied in separate appendices, since they are relevant to this subject.
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