The Agate Beads Of Khambat

The submergence must have caused a massive exodus from the prosperous Kāṭhīyāvāḍa peninsula. For its magnificent port complex must have gone underwater, and its trade shattered. We have already discussed ample evidence of migrations out of Kāṭhīyāvāḍa possibly at this time. Some of the inhabitants at least must have moved northwards into the now abundantly watered Indus-Sarasvatī valley. That was probably what led to the emergence of the Indus-Sarasvatī civilization. It was natural that the bead industry should find better viability there.

But when the Kāṭhīyāvāḍi kshatriya migrated to the bosom of Sarasvatī, they carried with them not only the art of making agate beads, but also their Śiva.