Question

Which of the following is famous for ornaments of Akik (Carnelian Agate)?
A. Khambhat
B. Mannar
C. Kutch
D. Palk Bay

Answer 1

Hint: Akik is a term used to describe a variety of carnelian agate differing in colour and lustre. These mainly include the deep red or the brownish coloured ones which is generally prevalent in the local culture of the present day Gujarat region.

Complete answer: Akik industry in India is primarily based in Gujarat with constant mention of the same in foreign travellers and indigenous accounts. The primary centres included Bharuch, Surat, Vallabhi and Khambhat (Cambay). Still, it was at Khambhat that the Akik industry reached its zenith during the 16th-17th century.
Several factors were important for the success, first one being raw material Akik in the nearby Rajpipla hills. Second was the fact that Khambhat was a port, as most markets were overseas in Europe. Third, this industry had constant support from the Sultans of Gujrat.
Merchant accounts reveal the gradual shift of Akik industries to Cambay also because later was a principal port for Hajj pilgrimage. One of the gazetteers of the Bombay Presidency even mentioned how few items as signets rings were worth double their weight in gold. Other items of great value were daggers; knives and sword handles; saucer and cutlery.
Unfortunately, it saw a decline from 19th c. onwards as the other means of communication like railways developed and Khambhat started losing as an important trade centre. Another factor to take in account was the rise of cheap synthetic stones being manufactured in Germany.
Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Note: Khambhat is even referred to as Indian Cairo given the commercial network it managed in 17th c. It housed a variety of industries as weaving, dying, and embroidery; wood, metal and ivory art; silk, cotton manufacturing; perfume making and all with extremely refined craftsmanship.