Gems & Jewels of India……. Socio Political Study Within Historical Context

Abstract

Political status of a nation can be measured through the ornaments used by them. It also indicates the aesthetics and the civic sense of any particular region in a particular era. In present context, Subcontinent has been focused and past examples are used to establish the hypothesis of the intended research. Gems and jewels of this land reflect the socio political history. Rise and fall of its glory was followed by the movements of its diamonds and other precious stones. The riches associated to the Mughals are legendary but the later Mughal rulers could not reestablish their authority. As a result to that the Subcontinent became the mosaic of smaller states that had semi-independent status. Flow of gems was now directed towards the British and many important jewels were taken to England because it was very easy for the Company employees to convert their profits into precious stones and carry them home to be sold. Indian Princes, Rajas, Nizams and Nawabs were alienated from the Indian social life. Jewelry houses like Cartier, Christie’s, Mauboussin, Van Cleef & Arples all enjoyed the immense wealth and years long commissions that were offered to them by the Rajas and Maharajas of India. French accepted Indians with respect and their awe-inspiring lifestyles had a tremendous impact on the pre war artistic expressions of Paris.