Significance of Indian Jewelry

Jewelry has been a significant adornment for Indian women since ages. Its significance in an Indian
woman’s life can be judged from the number of jewelry gifts she receives on a variety of auspicious
occasions in her life and how even the poorest of women possess some kinds of jewelry they can afford.
Indian women’s decorating themselves with jewelry is not only a customary tradition, but also has a lot
of values attached to each and every jewelry piece worn by the women.

Significance of Indian Jewelry

Image Credit: http://www.weddingsutra.com/bride/fashion/3379-the-best-onscreen-wedding-dresses

Why is Jewelry Important for Indian Women?

Apart from increasing the beauty of Indian women, Indian jewelry is also considered to be a matter of
great security in time of financial crisis due to its good value. To accentuate the feminism factor, women
wear jewelry created with precious metals like gold, silver and diamonds. Traditionally, having a good
collection of jewelry symbolizes power, good status and immense wealth of the owner.

Image Credit:
Jewelry and Indian women share a deep connection as its value lies not only in traditions, but also has a
great significance in scientific terms. We must understand the reason behind each jewelry piece
adorned by Indian women as it lies deep rooted in science. It would certainly increase our love and
respect for Indian women’s jewelry.

Jewelry and Indian women

Image Credit: http://starsunfolded.com/sonam-kapoor-height-weight-age/

Wide Variety of Indian Jewelry Adorned by Women

Jewelry designs are available in a wide variety in India as each state has its own culture and jewelry is
made accordingly to highlight the values of those traditions. Some of the most commonly used jewelry
by Indian women includes maangtika, nose rings, necklace, earrings, mangalsutra and bangles.

Image Credit:
Now, let’s understand the significance and the logic behind each piece of jewelry worn by Indian
women. Here we have a list of some of the most commonly worn jewelry pieces with their cultural and
scientific significance.

Significance of Jewelry worn by Indian Women

Image Credit: http://www.shaadietyadi.com/blog/1018/maang-tikkas-more/

Tika

Tika consists of a chain with a pendant in the front and a hook at the other end. The hook is used for
holding the tika at the hair end, while the pendant embellishes the center of the woman’s forehead. A
woman’s forehead, especially the center part is believed to be the place of chakra which refers to
preservation. Traditionally, the chakra is visualized to have two petals where the half-male and half-
female androgynous deity Ardhanarishvara resides. It symbolizes the final union where there is no
division. In view of science, this union is the meeting of the male and female elements in nature at both
the physical and the mental level.

Image Credit:
Nose ring:

Nose ring called as nath by Indian women is definitely the most seductive jewel piece without which a
married woman’s make up is considered incomplete. It forms an integral part of traditional bridal
jewelry keeping in view its conventional and scientific value. Aristocratic families get special nose rings
created for the bride as it’s considered the most auspicious jewel to be worn on the occasion.

Nath (Nose Ring)

Image Credit: http://www.weddingsonline.in/blog/editors-pick-bridal-nose-ring-designs-we-love/

Scientifically, it is believed that women having pierced nose experience less pain during childbirth.
Ayurveda considers it a valuable piece which is worn on the spot directly connected with the health of
the female reproductive organs. As per a theory, nose ring is also connected to emotional, romantic and
sexual propositions of a woman. It also prevents a woman from being hypnotized due to its power to
control the brain wavelength.

Image Credit:
It is one of the most fascinating jewelry pieces worn by both married and unmarried women. Available
in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes, it attracts every woman towards it and makes an important
part of the woman’s fashion accessories. Matching earrings with garments enhance the attraction
quotient manifold.

Earrings
Image Credit: http://filmymedia.com/%E2%80%8Btanu-weds-manu-returns-a-sequel-in-the-truest-
sense/

As per the famous legends, evil spirits were believed to enter the body through any of its openings. By
wearing ornaments in the ear, the woman attained a state of complete well being. The latest studies
have also revealed that ear is a microcosm of the entire body and has an important nerve that connects
cervix, brain and kidney. By applying the right amount of pressure in the right ear to which the nerve of
the kidney is connected, the health of the kidney and the bladder can be taken care of.

Necklace:
Necklaces worn near the heart are believed to control emotions and strengthen one’s love. Wearing a
necklace of stones is believed to bind ourselves with their eternal powers. Since ancient times,
necklaces, pendants, strings of beads and elaborate ornamental collars were worn by women to bring
good luck and ward off the evil eye. The necklace is also believed as a protective ornament against
hypnotizing as such attempts are successfully undermined. So, this neck ornament not only adds an
exquisite look to a women’s beauty, but also acts as a potent restraint against effects of evil charms on
virtuous maidens.

Necklace
Image Credit: http://www.metromela.com/bollywood-divas-in-statement-necklace-designs/

Bangles:

Bangles, the word itself seem to fill one with the sweet tinkling sound produced by it! Wearing bangles
can be easily afforded by any woman whether rich or poor as it is available in almost all metals from
highly precious ones to wooden bangles. The attractive designs in which bangles are available make it
even more stunning and a woman’s beauty is considered incomplete without ornamenting with it. Apart
from being an important ornament worn by a married woman, this ornament also has immense
romantic and amorous connotations as well. The sound of a woman’s bangles expresses her presence
and her wish to gain attention. Scientifically, it is known to increase a woman’s blood circulation level
and channelize the energy passing through her outer skin. This is made possible by the circular shape of
the ornament with the cute tinkling sound.

Image Credit:
Toe rings:

The most eminent scientific theory behind wearing toe rings is its help in making menstrual cycle
regularized which is a common problem faced by women. The nerves in toes are connected to the
uterus and passes through the heart. While a married woman does her chores while wearing these
rings, the friction created help in revitalizing her reproductive organs.

As toe rings are generally made of silver, it absorbs energy from the earth and refreshes the entire body
of the woman by passing the energy to it.

Toe rings
Image Credit: http://www.fuccha.in/17-amazing-scientific-reasons-behind-hindu-traditions-mysteries-
explored/

Ring:

Wearing a ring on the fourth finger from the thumb is directly connected to the nerve passing through
this finger to the brain neuron cells. With metallic friction, women attain good health and get confidence
to handle life with ease. The wedding ring worn in the middle finger is believed to be directly connected
with the heart which helps in controlling the wearer’s emotions. Nowadays, rings of various stones are
worn by women for various health benefits attached to a variety of gem stones.

Image Credit:
Mangalsutra:

Mangalsutra is believed to control body pressure levels and make blood circulation regular in the body
of the woman wearing it. Traditionally, the bridegroom gives it to the bride during the wedding and it is
worn by the married woman symbolizing feelings of love and commitment between the married couple.

Mangalsutra
Image Credit: http://speakingchic.com/2015/05/bollywood-fashion-guide-kangana-ranaut-in-tanu-
weds-manu-returns/

Hip/Belly Belt:

Hip or popularly known as belly belts are not regularly used by women, but only during wedding or some
festive occasions. Nowadays, it is also used by many women in modern designs to add to their glam
quotient. Scientifically, these belts are believed to prevent saturation of fat in the waist and help in
maintaining a woman’s figure.

Hip/Belly Belt
Image Credit: http://indianexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/iijw-2014-neha-dhupia-is-a-royal-
bride/ and http://www.bollywoodvogue.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/b4.jpg/

This describes why a woman does ‘solah shringar’ as it’s not only to add to her beauty, but for various
other logical reasons attached to it.

Types of Indian Jewelry

Tradition of adoring oneself with jewelry is 5000 years old in India. Indian women and jewelry have
always formed a great combination. The tradition is still alive and time has made it only more vigorous
than earlier. The art of making beautiful ornaments, with delicacy and acumen, has been developed
throughout the historical times. Rulers and feudal gave patronage to art and artists, to develop the same
to optimum. There is jewelry for almost all the body parts, including neck, ear, nose, arms, ankles,
fingers, waist, hair parting, etc.

In India, jewelry is designed to match with the attire. The theme of its design as well as the color of the
jewelry is taken into consideration while adoring. To make jewelry more attractive, it is topped by
diamonds and various types of gems. Traditionally, Indian jewelry has been made of heavy and
voluminous gold pieces, but recently jewelry made of silver, platinum and other metals has become
quite popular among people. The popularity of jewelry made of stone, encrusted on metal, has grown
more recently. In the following lines, we will tell you about the different kinds of jewelry in India.
Antique Jewelry

The jewelry which is not in mainstream production and of which the mode of production is no longer
popular is known by the name of 'Antique Jewelry.' This kind of jewelry has dull and rough look,
combined with an old world-world charm, and this serves as the major USP of such jewelry.

Bead Jewelry

Bead art in India is five thousand year old and dates back to the time of Indus Valley Civilization. People
of that civilization used to make beads out of gold, silver, copper, clay, ivory and even wood. The
excavated carried out there came out with finished and unfinished beads from the site.

Bridal Jewelry

India has great tradition of wedding jewelry. Made of superior metals and excellent quality, jewelry
accentuates the beauty of bride in multiples. Though these days silver and platinum jewelry is gaining
popularity, gold jewelry still holds the most popularity among Indians.

Custom Jewelry

Custom jewelry is personalized jewelry, which a customer gets her made on her interest and fancy. This
happens particularly in cases where readymade jewelry does not match the taste of person. Custom
jewelry gives total freedom to customer about the specifics.

Fashion Jewelry

Fashion jewelry is also called costume jewelry, mainly for the reason that it is not made of precious
metals and stones, rather lighter and cheaper material are used. Fashion jewelry is trend-conscious and
keeps on changing as per changing needs.

Filigree Jewelry

Filigree work is done on silver and involves lots of precision and technicality, added with great amount
of patience and an eye for minute details. Historically, filigree work was quite popular in countries like
Egypt, Italy, and Spain. India's history of filigree work goes back to early centuries.

Gold Jewelry

Gold is a metal that lures many. It gives the security against any financial crisis, because of its easy
liquidity, and is also used by women for adorning themselves. Traditionally, gold has been considered
auspicious among Hindus and is regarded to be symbolic of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.

Handmade jewelry
Talking about jewelry manufacturing in India is as good as talking about handmade jewelry in India. A
major chunk of jewelry in the country is made by independent craftsmen. Traditionally also, a significant
part of jewelry manufacturing has been handmade jewelry.

Ivory Jewelry

Jewelry that is made from the tusk of an elephant is called ivory jewelry. Importance of ivory jewelry can
be guessed from the fact that in Gujarat, the bride receives an ivory bangle from her family just before
marriage as jewelry. During marriage ceremony wearing of ivory bangles is must for bride.

Jadau Jewelry

Jadau Jewelry forms one of the major examples of high skilled craftsmanship that was brought into India
by Mughals. Historically speaking, the tradition of Jadau work has been in practice in the states of
Rajasthan and Gujarat since the Mughal era. Jadau jewellery is also called engraved jewelry.

Kundan Jewelry

During Mughal period, the art of kundan work reached Rajasthan from Delhi. Later on, craftsmen from
the different part of the country migrated to the place and made Rajasthan a hub of Kundankari. Rulers
and feudal lords gave patronage to the art and it developed into perfection.

Lac Jewelry

Lac jewelry, also known as lacquer jewelry, originated in Rajasthan and has gained considerable
popularity in India today. Lac jewelry is available in versatile designs, which add to its beauty. Among the
various items in lac jewelry, the bangles need a special mention.

Meenakari Jewelry

In Meenakari jewelry, precious stones are set and then enameled with gold. Historically speaking, the
art was introduced to Rajasthan artisans by Raja Mansingh of Amer. He invited Lahore-based skilled
artisans to his kingdom, and their intermingling with the locals craftsmen resulted in an amalgam.

Navratna Jewelry

In Navratna jewelry, nine auspicious stones are used in a single ornament. The belief behind this is that
the nine stones together ensure well being of the person who wears it. In India, Navratna jewelry has
been given major importance, because of its astrological significance as well as its innate charm.

Pachchikam Jewelry

In the world of fashion and design, old trends tend to come over again and again, though with slight
changes. Pachchikam jewelry making craft is one of the examples of jewelry that has come back once
again. Originated in Gujarat and Kutch, centuries ago, Pachchikam jewelry has again become popular.
Silver Jewelry

Silver Jewelry, along with gold jewelry, is quite popular amongst Indian women. Ornaments made of
silver, such as rings, bracelets, chains, necklaces, nose rings, earrings, toe rings, heavy kadas, and
armlets, form integral part of Indian jewelry.

Stone Jewelry

Jewelry studded with different gems is quite popular among Indians. For reasons ranging from spiritual
to aesthetic to health, gemstone jewelry has become the part of life of Indian women and men both.
These stone jewelries are worn according to the individual's astrological chart and ruling of planet.

Temple Jewelry

Indian jewelry art is at times divided into three kinds - temple jewelry, spiritual jewelry and bridal
jewelry. Temple jewelry of India initially used to be described as the jewelry used to adorn the idols of
Gods and Goddesses. The statues In India were ornamented with chunky necklaces.

Tribal Jewelry

Tribal jewelry in India is quite rich. Each tribe has kept its unique style of jewelry intact even now. The
original format of jewelry design has been preserved by ethnic tribal. Jewelry that is made of bone,
wood, clay, shells and crude metal, by tribals, is not only attractive, but also holds a distinct rustic charm.

A Hindu wedding is Vivaha (Sanskrit: विवाह[1]) and the wedding ceremony is called Vivaah

Sanskar in North India and Kalyanam (generally) in South India.[2][3] Hindus attach a great deal of
importance to marriages. The ceremonies are very colourful, and celebrations may extend for
several days. The bride's and groom's home — entrance, doors, wall, floor, roof — are
sometimes decorated with colors, balloons, and other decorations.

Description[edit]
The tilaka is a mark created by the application of powder or paste on the forehead. Tilakas are
vertical markings worn by Vaishnavites. The Vaishnava tilaka consists of a long vertical marking
starting from just below the hairline to almost the end of one's nose tip, and they are also known
as Urdhva Pundra.[1] It is intercepted in the middle by an elongated U. There may be two marks
on the temples as well. This tilaka is traditionally made with sandalwood paste.
The other major tilaka variant is often worn by the followers of Shiva, known by the names of
Rudra-tilaka and Tripundra. [5][6] It consists of three horizontal bands across the forehead with a
single vertical band or circle in the middle. This is traditionally done with sacred ash from fire
sacrifices. This variant is the more ancient of the two and shares many common aspects with
similar markings worn across the world.
Shaktas, worshippers of the various forms of the Goddess (Devi), wear a large red dot
of kumkum (vermillion or red turmeric) on the forehead.

Significance[edit]
Chapter 2 of the Kalagni Rudra Upanishad, a Shaiva traditional text, explains the three lines of a
Tilaka as a reminder of various triads: three sacred fires, three syllables in Om, three gunas,
three worlds, three types of atman (self), three powers in oneself, first three Vedas, three times
of extraction of the Vedic drink Soma.[7][8]

 The first line is equated to Garhapatya (the sacred fire in a household kitchen),

the A syllable of Om, the Rajas guna, the earth, the external self, Kriyā – the power of
action, the Rigveda, the morning extraction of Soma, and Maheshvara.[7][8]
 The second streak of ash is a reminder of Dakshinagni (the holy fire lighted in the South
for ancestors), the sound U of Om, Sattva guna, the atmosphere, the inner self, Iccha – the
power of will, the Yajurveda, midday Soma extraction, and Sadashiva.[7][8]
 The third streak is the Ahavaniya (the fire used for Homa), the M syllable in Om,
the Tamas guna, Svarga – heaven, the Paramatman – the highest self (the ultimate reality
of Brahman), Jnana – the power of knowledge, the Samaveda, Soma extraction at dusk,
and Shiva.[7][8]
These lines, states Antonio Rigopoulos, represent Shiva’s threefold power of will (icchāśakti),
knowledge (jñānaśakti), and action (kriyāśakti).[9] The Tripuṇḍra described in this and other
Shaiva texts also symbolizes Shiva’s trident (triśūla) and the divine triad of Brahmā, Vishnu, and
Shiva.[9]
The Vasudeva Upanishad, a Vaishnava tradition text, similarly explains the significance of three
vertical lines in Urdhva Pundra Tilaka to be a reminder of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva; the Vedic
scriptures – Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda; three worlds Bhu, Bhuva, Svar; the three
syllables of Om – A, U, M; three states of consciousness – awake, dream sleep, deep sleep;
three realities – Maya, Brahman and Atman; the three bodies – Sthula, Sukshma, and Karana.[10]
[11]

Traditions[edit]

Examples of Tilaks or sect-marking in British India, summarized by 19th-century scholar Russell

Different Hindu traditions use different materials and shapes to make the tilaka.[12]
 Saivites typically mark their Tilak using vibhuti (ash) in three horizontal lines across the
forehead.[1] Along with the three horizontal lines, a bindu of sandalwood paste or a dot of
red kumkum in the centre completes the Tilaka (tripundra).[2][3]
 Vaishnavas apply a Tilak with vermillion, clay, sandalwood paste (Chandan), or latter
two mixed.[1] They apply the material in two vertical lines, which may be connected at the
bottom, forming a simple U shape, often with an additional vertical red marking in the shape
of a tulsi leaf inside the U shape. Their tilaka is called the Urdhva Pundra.[1] See
also Srivaishnava Urdhva Pundra, the Srivaishnava tilaka.
 Ganapatya use red sandal paste (rakta candana).[13]
 Shaktas use kumkuma, or powdered red turmeric. They draw one vertical line or dot (not
to be confused with Bindiused by Indian women from different religions).
 Honorary tilakas (Raja tilaka and Vira tilaka are usually applied as a single vertical red
line. Raja tilaka will be used while enthroning kings or inviting prominent personalities. Vira
tilaka is used to anoint victors or leaders after a war or a game.
 Swaminarayana tilaka is U-shaped in the middle of forehead along with the red dot in the
middle of U (known as chandlo).
Cultural tradition[edit]

Applying Tilaka on the forehead of guests to welcome and honor is a cultural tradition in India and Nepal.[4]

 Sikhs apply the tilak as well. The Darshan devotees apply reddish saffron tilak to the
forehead. This tilak is of sandalwood paste and saffron applied as a dot stamp on forehead.
Saint Baba Budha ji applied tilak to the first five Sikh Gurus.[14]
 Jains use Tilaka to mark the forehead of Jaina images with sandalwood paste, during
Puja ceremonies.[15]
 Christians in India use Tilaka, both to mark special occasions and during their worship
rites.[16]
 Hindus use the Tilaka ceremony, as a mark of honor and welcome to guests, something
special or someone special.[4] It may also be used, for same reason, to mark idols at the
start of a Puja (worship), to mark a rock or tree before it is cut or removed from its original
place for artisan work, or a new piece of property.

Relationship to bindi[edit]
The terms tilaka and bindi overlap somewhat, but are not synonymous.[21] Among the
differences:
 A tilaka is always applied with paste or powder, whereas a bindi may be paste or jewel.
 A tilaka is usually applied for religious or spiritual reasons, or to honour a personage,
event, or victory. A bindi can signify marriage, or be simply for decorative purposes.
 A bindi is worn only between the eyes, whereas a tilaka can also cover the face or other
parts of the body. Tilaka can be applied to twelve parts of the body: head, forehead, neck,
both upper-arms, both forearms, chest, both sides of the torso, stomach and shoulder.
 Typically the bindi is worn only by women, whereas tilaka is worn by both men and
women.

Terminology[edit]

similar pictography from Indus Valley Civilization

It is also called tikli or sheether harr in Bengali, tika,
or tilakam or tilak in Hindi; Sanskrit: तिलक tilaka; Hindustani pronunciation: [t̪ ɪˈlək])[22]

In Nepal, Bihar and other regions, the tilakam is called a tikā/teeka (टिका [ʈɪkaː]), and is a

mixture of abir, a red powder, yoghurt, and grains of rice. The most common tikka is red powder
applied with the thumb, in a single upward stroke.

in addition to the bindi, in India, a vermilion mark in the parting of the hair just above
the forehead is worn by married women as commitment to long-life and well-being
of their husbands. During all Hindu marriage ceremonies, the groom applies sindoor
in the part in the bride's hair.