Why in the News?

This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in ‘The Hindu’.

Lapis Lazuli and its Ancient Significance

About Lapis Lazuli

Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock prized for its vibrant colour, often used in jewellery and decorative items.
It is composed mainly of lazurite, with other minerals like calcite and pyrite, which give it its characteristic golden specks.
It is mainly found in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, though it is also present in Chile, Russia, and the US.
It has been valued since ancient times, particularly in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, and is known for its use in making pigments, especially ultramarine.

Lapis Lazuli and its Ancient Significance

The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) (3300-1900 BC) had extensive trade with Mesopotamia and Afghanistan, where lapis lazuli was imported.
It was used for beads and ornaments found at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, underscoring its value in Indus jewellery.
It was a sacred stone, often used in beads, pendants, and amulets, symbolizing spirituality and high social status.
It was likely associated with religious ceremonies and used to represent the gods.
The Indus people were skilled at bead-making, often combining lapis lazuli with other stones, such as gold.
The intricate designs, including incised or painted beads, reflect their technical expertise.

Several semi-precious stones were used by the IVC to create jewellery and ornaments:

Carnelian beads were made into pendants and rings, valued for their reddish-orange hue and durability.
Amethyst beads, a purple quartz variety, were also used, likely imported from other regions.
Jasper, a chalcedony variety, was used for beads and pendants, valued for its earthy tones.
Turquoise was used in beads, often combined with lapis lazuli and carnelian.
Steatite (Soapstone) was used for seals and beads, often engraved with animal motifs or symbols.
Crystal and quartz were used for translucent beads, adding a mystical quality to jewelry.
Gold, combined with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, carnelian, and turquoise, was extensively used in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

[UPSC 2023] Lothal, a significant site of the Indus Valley Civilization, was particularly well-known as a:

(a) major agricultural centre

(b) centre for textile production

(d) site with extensive fire altars