Ancient India and Gemology

Gems have always been one of the most radiant parts of Ancient Hinduism and hold an unshakable position in Hindu values and beliefs. The now-famous term "gemology" used to be known by the name Ratna Shastra and Ratnas. The genesis of 9 Gemstones was discovered concerning their links with the 9 planets (navgrahas) around the 6th century CE. Those gemstones are ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, sapphire, diamond, topaz, zircon, and cat's eye. They are associated with the sun, moon, Mars, Mercury, Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, Rahu, and Ketu respectively. The position of these gemstones in gold highly determines the level of benefits that a wearer would be blessed with. Find below the ways that were practiced in Ancient Hinduism to ensure harmony between gems and their respective planets. 

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According to Agastya Samhita, gemstones were associated with weekdays and the order of their worshiping days was decided accordingly. 

Arthashastra of Kautilya of the 4th century BC describes the important jewels and gems in a precise manner. As per the Sanskrit work, Kadambari of Banabhatta, gemstones were one of the subjects taught to the princes; it shows that the existence of gemstones has always been treated as royal and respectable. Varahamihira of the 5th century CE, throws light on the 9 most important gemstones or navratnas. They are diamond, pearl, ruby, emerald, sapphire, coral, cats eye, topaz and zircon. Gemology grew independently with time and is still one of the most mysterious and interesting disciplines around the globe. 

Varahamihira put the diamond on the highest pedestal and since then it has been on the throne and bagged the title of King of gemstones. Apart from the planets Varahamihira also associated gems with deities, especially the pancharatnas many diamonds, rubies, pearls, emeralds and sapphires. 

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One of the most famous puranic texts, Garuda Mahapurana, dedicated twelve chapters to the origin, distribution, typology and negative and positive impacts of gemstones. It also highlighted the points to consider when distinguishing between artificial and authentic gems. One of the myths that clouded the minds of people during the ancient time was that gemstones originated from the organs of a demon known as Vala, but none can neglect the fact that Kautilya and Varahamihira are the core points when it comes to the origin story of gemstones. 

Garud Purana still holds a significant place as it described the importance of rubies' weight, ways to enhance pearl's lustre, the non-scratching property of diamonds, the relation between sapphires and rubies, and many more things that are widely acceptable in the current era. 

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The Roman figures like Pliny and Ptolemy also talked about diamonds and emeralds that were found in India. The exquisite cuts of diamonds by Indian artisans are widely appreciated in the whole world according to Agastya Samhita. Even though the production of diamonds in India is less than some foreign countries, the raw artistic cuts by our artisans hold the highest position.