Indian Jewellery

India in the past was often referred to as the jewel in the crown. If we take a walk down the country's historic past, we will find that India jewelry is very much a part of its intrinsic value and dates back to the Mohenjodaro and Harappan times when elegant and intricate jewelry was designed and crafted for its pantheon of gods. Indian jewelry range could be categorized as temple, spiritual and bridal. All these three types of jewelry were embellished with colored stones to highlight the designs. The temple jewelry in the India jewelry range involved the adornment of statues of gods and goddesses with chunky necklaces, which were either strung with beads or crafted with intricate filigree. The statues were also adorned with a number of large chunky bracelets, which came studded with gems. The earrings for the deities were those of clustered beads and had a close resemblance to that of dangling grapes. The nose rings too were adorned with jewels and the ankles bore thick anklets. The temple dancers later wore the jewelry, which was initially created for the gods and goddesses. These designs slowly became a part of the Indian woman's bridal jewelry trousseau. Spiritual jewelry also became a part of India jewelry range. It evolved due to social and religious conditions of the times. It was considered to be highly auspicious if one wore precious jewels while attending important celebrations like a marriage or a puja service. A unique range of jewelry was specially crafted for these occasions and could be worn as pendants, bracelets, belts and brooches. The favorite design for pendants was that of Ganesha - the elephant headed god known to bestow good luck and good fortune. The other emblem, which was also, very much in demand was that of the sacred syllable OM. The Navaratna ring with nine gems also became increasingly popular as it is linked to the nine planets and brings with it all the good influence while assuring the wearer of good luck, health and wealth.

INDIANS PASSION FOR JEWELLERY

INDIANS PASSION FOR JEWELLERY
Reshuffling and reversing the pages of history would lead us to the origin of the traditional Indian fashion jewellery. But the right point of start is still a mere blur. The story of Indian fashion jewelry can be dated back to the Vedic era. The holy Ramayana and the Mahabharata are replete with descriptions of ornaments worn by both men and women of that age. Infact even before the discovery of metals Indians are said to have adorned themselves with wooden jewelries and other materials which are easily available. To talk about civilization, Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilization bears evidence of Indian fashion jewelry. By the 3rd century B.C. India became the leading exporter of gemstones, and that was a benchmark in the history of Indian jewelry.During the ancient ages Indian Gods and Goddesses are crafted with rich and ornate temple jewelry, a trend still existent. Eventually those intricate filigree designs of Indian jewelry were being sported with by the women folk and it got absorbed into the bridal trousseau and worn on special occasions.

Friday, December 19, 2008




MANGALSUTRA
MANGALSUTRA-
The Sacred symbol of the Hindu Marriage
A mangalsutra is a Hindu symbol of marriage, consisting of a golden ornaments strung from a yellow threads, a number of black pearls or a gold chain. It is comparable to a Western wedding, and is supported by a married woman to her husband’s death. Mangalsutra in numerous designs. If a marriage is arranged, the pattern is usually chosen by the groom’s family according to their habits.
A Hindu marriage symbolizes not only a combination of two individuals, but also the commitment of understanding, commitment, mutual love and spiritual growth. In the Hindu tradition of marriage is not just about celebration and fun, but requires sacrifice, companionship, commitment and dedication from both partners. Each and every ritual and custom relating to the marriage portrays the real essence of the wedding.
Mangalsutra is such a symbol of marriage. It is not just a piece of jewelry. On the contrary, it has a lot of importance to a Hindu woman married. It is a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married women as a symbol of their marriage. Infact, Mangalya dharanam (literally “the wearing of mangalya”) is the most important part of a Hindu marriage ceremony.
The bridegroom ties it around the neck of the bride on the day of their marriage signifying their union. It is known by different names in different states of the country. In South India is known as “Thaali ‘or’ Mangalsutra” in the north India.In Tamil Nadu and in some other states, Thaali’s bound in a thick yellow thread. If the thread is worn out, they will be replaced by a new thread. Thaali’s of various shapes and sizes are available from several municipalities on the basis of their particular customs. Thaali are of different types namely: - embithai thaali, amathaali, kolunthu thaali, variven thaali and manikka thaali. Thaali This goes hand in hand with the weapon of Lord Mahavishnu. It is assumed that Lord Krishna was amathaali (form of the turtle) and kolunthu thaali (tender leaves). Thaali is considered favorable by the married women, and they contribute up to her death or her husband’s death.
Mangalsutra is the symbol of dignity and love of a bride from her groom. The most common form is two strings of small black beads with a medallion or trailers. It is also composed of small beads of gold and black beads with gold and diamond pendants. The black pearls mean protection against evil power. It is believed to protect their marriage and life of their husbands. It is considered auspicious for married women to wear mangalsutra after the wedding ceremony. Although today the trend is changing, as most of them do not bear mangalsutra.
Today is the concept of wearing a mangalsutra has changed. It is more a fashion statement as a symbol of the marriage. And Credit goes to the daily soaps and Hindi movies. The style has also changed over the years. Previously women use to wear simple design mangalsutra with a small trailer, but now the trend is to wear short length of each string and trailers instead of gold they prefer diamonds trailers. But the black pearls remain constant. But what may be the reason to wear it symbolizes the true essence and the concept of marriage.

2 comments:

  1. Jewellery is very integral part of a indian womens wadrobe recently got some amazing diamond jewellery from Orra diamond jewellery was amazed to know that they also have facebook fanpage http://www.facebook.com/pages/ORRA-Diamond-Jewellery/

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  2. Great, this blog gives us a deep knowledge and past about mangalsutra I really apriciate this blog.Its our culture in india that every woman wear mangalsutra after marriege, woman always look for latest jewellery treds in their mangalsutra. Tanishq as a leading jewellery brand in india provides beautiful and latest jewellery.you can also buy online Buy online jewellery from here.

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