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Traditional
Indian Jewellery
Author:
Indian Handicrafts
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. The traditional Indian jewelry could be
branched into three categories – spiritual, bridal wear and
temple jewelry. But with the flow of time all of them merged into one
and took the form of Indian fashion jewelry.
Indian fashion
jewelry was given a royal patronage from the ancient times. But it
reached its highest peak during the Mughal era. Men usually are the
goldsmiths in India, traditionally, and a variety of names were given
to them as per the region they belong to.
Fashion
jewelry in India is being made for almost every part of the body,
ranging from the ‘tika’ for the forehead to the ring for
the toe, a testimony to the love of jewelry and to the splendid
skills of the Indian jewelers. In a broader aspect, jewelry in India
was being handcrafted not only for humans but also for the ceremonial
elephants and horses.
In the modern
era Indian fashion jewelry is creating a new history for itself.
Indian fashion jewelry is a rage among the recent generation and
despite the tag of ‘feminine’ being attached to jewelry,
both guys and gals are sporting with funky and traditional Indian
jewelry. Be it the bold thumb rings or the sleek ear and nose rings,
be it purely ethnic or purely funky Indian fashion jewelry is gearing
its speed, expanding its domain at its best.
The common
motifs in the traditional Indian jewelry were inspired by mythology
and despite the fickle dictates fashion they remain essentially the
same today. However, modern Indian jewelers are experimenting with a
wide range of design, representing many things – love of nature
and animals, spiritual beings, history, humor&ldots;..imagination at
its best.
An important
landmark in the history of Indian fashion jewelry is the expansion of
the domain of raw materials used in its making. Besides gold and
other metal jewelry, jute, beads, stones, conch shells, wood, plant
seeds, etc are also used in the making of Indian fashion jewelry.
These are setting a new trend in the modern fashion
scenario&ldots;..befitting jewelries with the kind of attire you put
on, be it funky or traditional.
Indian fashion jewelry
is much more than just a tool of aesthetic appeal: rather it is a
symbol of divine abundance and material blessings, tinged with
fashion, updated with each passing day. A trend that started at the
beginning of the civilization, may be at a more remote past, has been
going strong till date and will definitely create new ripples in the
near future with some more fusions, bifurcations, improvisations and
new imaginations&ldots;..a new history of Indian fashion jewellery on
the making. |
