Every state has its own tradition and culture which definitely reflects on their jewellery. In Tamil Nadu, jewellery is worn as a tradi...
Every state has
its own tradition and culture which definitely reflects on their
jewellery. In Tamil Nadu, jewellery is
worn as a tradition and everyone is seen wearing some ornament or the other. The
ancient jewellery making tradition of this region speaks of a high degree of
excellence and workmanship.
A total number
of 36 kinds or Ornamental jewellery was used during then; but now most of the
jewellery names are not even known to many of the younger generation. Just to
remind them of the past life styles and fashions, I list below a few of the
jewellery and ornaments that were used in those olden days and it's scientific
value in practical terms. Yester years'
women's favourite ornaments are listed with its usage and explained with its
significance of wearing the same
For your
information, some of the jewellery has lost its identity and it’s almost
vanished…
From head to toe
you have special ornaments to wear and decorate…
Metti (Toe Ring):
To begin with,
an Item used as Metti by Indian married women is made of Silver. This is a ring
with two or three line rounds, worn in their second finger from toe
Anklet:
Anklet or Kolusu
worn above their feet joint, Thandai, Silambu, Kappu are the jewellery which are worn before on
the feet which we barely see now
Oddiyanam (Hip Belt):
Another
jewellery ornament knowingly used by Indian women as Hip Belt called
Oddiyaanam. This too, is made of Silver, but the usage of this is not common.
It is very particularly used to control women from getting fatter and to avoid
flabs in hip and pot belly. Since no women uses these days this ornament, one
can see the results that is visible
Vanki or Armlets:
On hands, other
than bangles they used to wear kaikappu, Vanki on arms, Vanki ring on fingers.
These ‘V’ shaped armlets have a unique design in the centre and delicately
carved peacocks or florals on the side. Unlike the necklaces, which were bulked
up thanks to the black string, this pair of vanki, which were probably made in
Thanjavur, looked solid and heavy on their own.
Maanga Malai:
For neck, Kaasu
Malai, Maanga Malai, Haaram and Addigai worn very close to neck. The
Maangamalai is a necklace of mangoes, stunning in appearance, consisting of
stone studded gold mangoes struck together with a huge pendant of encrusted
peacock. It is worn on the chest just above the navel and is said to prevent pulmonary
disorders.
Nose Stud:
On Nose, other
than Nose Stead, they used wear Beasari it’s seven or eight stone nose stead, Bullakku,
A designer jewel worn in the center of the nose
Earrings
On ear mostly
Jhumkas, Kadukkan a small stud for men, Pampadam gold earring with hallow balls
and squares filled with lac., worn by old ladies
Other than that
Mattal, Thandatti, Lolakku, Kundalam and many more…
Thalaisamaan
Finally on head
they have thalaisamaan in which ornaments shaped like the sun and moon are worn on the parting of the hair along
the forehead. For hair decoration they used to wear raakkodi or naagar
Jadanagam:
Below this, jadanaagam which looks like a
snake is worn on the plaited hair in an intertwined design and Kunjam at the
end of braid
There were more
than 50 kinds of essential jewel, jewelry & fashion ornaments used during
Vedic era, each signifying body mechanism.
In Tamil Nadu ,
Gold is the indication of prosperity. So it’s so common to see a woman wearing
jewellery and Tamil Nadu shows best craftsmanship with highest degree of
brilliance and workmanship…
