corundum, history.1, quality.10, Tajikistan.12, spinel, gems, Indian lapidary

Aziz’s Arms and Jewellery of the Indian Mughuls is a study of the weapons, personal ornaments and jewelled objects associated with the Mughal court in India. Drawing on contemporary chronicles, travellers’ accounts, paintings and surviving objects, the work describes swords, daggers, shields and other arms, many richly decorated with gold, enamel and precious stones, alongside the elaborate jewellery worn by the emperors, members of the court and royal women. Particular attention is given to the forms, materials, craftsmanship and terminology of Mughal ornaments and to the use of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, pearls and other gems. The book illustrates the close relationship between arms, jewellery, court ceremony and social rank, showing how richly ornamented objects functioned not only as personal possessions but also as expressions of wealth, status and imperial authority.