Carnelian
Topic: Harappan (Sindhu-Sarasvati) Civilisation · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 1 "Bricks, Beads and Bones"
Meaning
Carnelian is a red semi-precious stone. A semi-precious stone is valued for its beauty but is less costly than a gem like diamond. The Harappans highly prized it for making beads. The raw stone is yellowish, and its bright red colour came from firing it, which means heating it in a fire. It was an important item in Harappan crafts and long-distance trade.
Example
The Harappan settlement of Lothal in Gujarat was close to sources of carnelian near Bharuch. Mesopotamian texts of the 3rd millennium BCE list carnelian among the goods that came from Meluhha, the Harappan region. Harappan carnelian beads have also been found at Susa in Iran.
Don't confuse with
- Jasper: another stone the Harappans used for beads. Carnelian is the one known for its red colour, which comes from firing.
Related concepts
- Chanhudaro
- Harappan bead-making
- Carnelian beads
- Steatite
- Faience
- Lapis lazuli
- Shortughai
- Khetri copper region
- Harappan bronze
- Daimabad bronzes