India boasts a rich and diverse cultural tapestry, and as a result, there is a wide variety of traditional jewelry worn across different regions. Here are some of the different types of jewelry worn across various parts of India:
- North India:
- Nose Rings (Nath): Large nose rings, often studded with precious stones, are popular in North India, especially among brides.
- Mangalsutra: A black and gold beaded necklace symbolizing marital status.
- Bangles (Chudiyan): Women often wear sets of bangles made of glass, metal, or precious materials.
- South India:
- Temple Jewelry: Intricate gold jewelry inspired by temple art and architecture.
- Maang Tikka: A decorative piece worn on the forehead.
- Oddiyanam (Hip Belt): A waistbelt worn by brides, usually made of gold and adorned with gemstones.
- East India:
- Tribal Jewelry: Various tribes in East India have distinctive jewelry, such as the beautiful silver jewelry of the Santhals.
- Sankha Pola Bangles: Conch shell bangles worn by married Bengali women.
- Tikli: A forehead ornament popular in states like Odisha.
- West India:
- Kolhapuri Saaj Necklace: A traditional Maharashtrian necklace with intricate gold beads.
- Patlya and Tode (Armlets): Broad gold armlets often worn by Maharashtrian brides.
- Pacheli Bangle: A distinctive broad bangle with a screw fastening worn in Gujarat.
- Rajasthan:
- Rajasthani Borla: A maang tikka with a large circular pendant worn on the forehead.
- Rajasthani Nath: Large nose rings, often with a chain attaching to the hair.
- Aad Necklace: A traditional Rajasthani neckpiece with a unique design.
- Kashmir:
- Jhoomar (Passa): A side headpiece worn by brides.
- Kashmiri Earrings: Intricate earrings with enamel work and hanging beads.
- Dejharu (Hair Pin): Hairpins adorned with gemstones.
- Tamil Nadu:
- Kasu Mala: A necklace made of gold coins.
- Vanki (Armlet): A traditional armlet worn by brides.
- Mattal (Ear Chains): Chains that connect the earrings to the hair, worn on the sides of the face.
- Punjab:
- Punjabi Tikka: A forehead ornament with a hanging pendant.
- Kalire: Umbrella-shaped ornaments worn by Punjabi brides on their bangles.
- Punjabi Nath: Nose rings, often large and elaborate.
These are just a few examples, and each state and community within India has its own unique styles and variations of traditional jewelry. The diversity in Indian jewelry reflects the cultural richness and heritage of the country.