Accessorising From the remnants of Indus Valley to the paintings of Ajanta, there has been depiction of a range of jewellery worn especially by women (and sometimes by men), both by the elites and the commoners. Although wearing jewellery has become more of a matter of choice nowadays, it would be great to delve into the scientific as well as mythical reasons behind different ornaments worn by Indian women. Let’s journey head to toe to examine each accessory that traditionally adorns the Indian woman Nettichutti
Earrings
Thodu mattal, jimikki, 1 year old piercing Indian women adorn their ears with earrings which are worn in the form of jhumke, Bali, tops or latkan. Scientifically speaking, there is a particular nerve passing across the right ear lobe, connecting three prime body parts, namely the cervical, brain and kidney. So, through proper management of pressure, the bladder and kidney can be kept healthy. Moreover, as per Indian legend, the openings of the body are gateways for evil spirits to enter. Ornaments were believed to have the power to safeguard against that, especially in case of a new bride.
Nose Studs
mukuthi nathu nose ring and nose stud Nose piercing, an age-old custom in India, has acupuncture benefits. Ayurveda claims that women having the left nose pierced experience comparatively comfortable childbirth and lesser menstrual pain. A beauty in its own right, the nose ring, also known as nathni or nath, is believed to enhance the romance and sexual quotient between couples.
Bangles
kada, valayai, choori Conventionally, bangles, worn around the wrist, are believed to signify a unique combination of luck and safety for a married woman’s husband. Bangles vary in designs and colors according to the different regions in India. While some wear ‘chooda’, for some others, the ‘bajuband’ is a tradition. Bangles are believed to improve blood circulation and keep the charges in the body intact, again having a positive impact on the health.
Ring
mothiram angoothee Yet another priceless ornament, the ring is mainly worn in the fourth finger. Since a nerve in this finger pervades across the brain, regular metallic friction can improve both mental and physical health, bringing in confidence and comfort in life. Indians also consider rings a sign of successful marriage and the ultimate union of two souls.
Mangalsutra
thaali An Indian woman is perhaps incomplete without a necklace, which adds to her beauty and charm. Mangalsutra, adorning a married woman’s neck, is usually given by the husband promising commitment and a happy life. Positioned above the heart, it helps in managing body pressure and blood circulation.
Metti
married Bichiyas or toe rings are worn on the second toe of each foot in pairs, mainly by married women. This is also believed to regularize the menstrual cycle and assists a woman in conceiving comfortably, since one of the toe nerves connects the uterus and heart. Silver, the common element in these rings, keeps the body refreshed by absorbing the earth’s energy.
Otiyanam
kammerband A seductive as well as a graceful ornament, the waistband helps maintain a woman’s waistline by preventing accumulation of excess fat. However, with modernization, these are not in regular use nowadays and are mostly restricted to the wedding ceremony or any other special occasion.
payal
golsu There are innumerable Indian movie songs revolving around the melodious sound of the woman’s anklet or ‘payal’, as it is popularly called. This silver ornament is worn around the ankle, and is believed to bring in positive energy to the body while sending across the negative energy towards the ground. With such interesting benefits of wearing Indian jewellery, it is now clear that whenever you are making a style statement by wearing them, you body is also getting something extra!
