Recently, an Instagram user named ‘Indian Cultural Center’ shared a treasure trove of ancient history – Gold earrings of the 1st century BC found in what is now Andhra Pradesh. This beautiful piece of jewelery is one of the earliest pieces of jewelery found in this region, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and artistic heritage of ancient India. Ironically, they are currently housed in the MET Museum in New York, USA, along with many other Indian artefacts.
Known as the Prakaravapra Kundala, these magnificent earrings are a testament to the intricate craftsmanship and royal significance of ancient jewellery. Each earring measures approximately 7.6cm in length and is made entirely of gold, displaying a level of sophistication that speaks to the wealth and power of their original owners. The design features beautiful vine-like stems spiraling into trumpet-shaped buds – a motif that combines nature and artistry in a symbolic display of wealth.
Fancy rosettes of fertility emblems, images of elephants, winged lions can be seen in the earrings. Perhaps they symbolized royal power and fertility. Elephants symbolized strength and power, and winged lions symbolized divine protection. All these motifs mean that the earrings were not just a decoration – they symbolized status and divine protection.
The design of the earrings also suggests that they may have been worn by royalty, potentially stretching the earlobes to the shoulders, a style often depicted in ancient Indian sculptures, particularly those of the Buddha. This ancient find highlights the importance of jewelry not just as an accessory, but as a symbol of identity and power in ancient Indian culture.
These beautiful earrings from Andhra Pradesh showcase craftsmanship and symbolism ancient Indian ornamentsproviding a valuable link to India’s royal and cultural past. They serve as reminders of the complex interrelationships between jewellery, identity and the divine in ancient India, reflecting the cultural richness and craftsmanship that have shaped the heritage of the subcontinent for centuries. These ancient pieces are not only of historical significance, but also highlight the timeless appeal of gold as a symbol of wealth, power and beauty throughout the ages.
