Archaeological discoveries in India reveal the
existence

of
glass over 2000 years ago. Beads, tiles and conical flasks have been
unearthed from a site discovered in Uttar Pradesh. Glass has also been
mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. Due to its ability to take any form
and acquire scintillating colors, it gave new definitions to the art of
glasswork during the Moghul era. Glass articles like bowls, tumblers and
bottles for precious things, like Indian scents, were made. Other items
like phials, bottles, jars and lamp chimneys are attractively made in a
wide range of shapes.

Engraving on glass also reached new heights, which is reflected in the
delicate foliated designs of the period. Glass bangles continue to be in
vogue, with innumerable colors and
patterns. Ferozabad, in Uttar Pradesh, has an entire community devoted
to producing glassware and tableware in tasteful designs. Glass beads on
the other hand are a speciality of Varanasi. The tukli technique in
Patna involves decorative items on glass, with gold or silver pieces to
fill the entire picture. In the south too, elaborate paintings on glass
have gained popularity.