Khoobsurat Jammu And Kashmiri Jewellery

By Author: Aastha
Total Articles: 42
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"If there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.”; This is how Mughal emperor, Jahangir, described Kashmir valley when he discovered it in the 17th century.

Kashmir is so breathtakingly beautiful that it is also known as “Paradise on earth.” And, on the other hand, Jammu, the winter capital of the state, is known as the “City of Temples.”

But, did you know Jammu and Kashmir are a lot more than “Khoobsurat waadiyan”? It is rich in art and handicrafts, literature, heritage, temples, shrines, nature, valleys, people, and the list continues.

Among many other things, the state is also famous for its jewellery. Jammu and Kashmir jewellery are exquisite and unique. Since the state has been ruled by many emperors, its influence can be noticed in its art and lifestyle.

The technique of making jewellery is still ancient but has a unique and beautiful style. This is the reason it is difficult to copy their designs easily.

So, let us look at some of the alluring jewellery from Jammu and Kashmir.

Jewellery of Kashmir:

Tikka and Jiggni
Tikka ...
... and jiggni are worn on the head. They are usually triangular, semi-circular, and circular in shape. They are usually made of precious metals like gold and silver and are fringed with hanging pearls and gold leaves.

Choker
The Kashmiri chokers are beautiful and have an intricate design. They are mostly made of silver and are triangular in shape. They are also studded with ruby and emerald stones.

Sondus or Branshil
Branshil or Sondus is an ornament passed by a mother to her daughter at the time of marriage. It is a crucial piece of jewellery for women and is usually worn by Ladakhi women. Branshil is made up of silver and gold discs and is worn on their left shoulder.

Deji-Hor
It is one of the Kashmiri jewellery. It is a traditional ear ornament worn by the Hindu women of Jammu and Kashmir as a symbol of her marriage.

Bala
Bala is an ear ornament that consists of turquoise studs with hanging leaf and ball design.

Gunus
Gunus is an ornament of the wrist. It is a thick gold bangle that consists of a head of a snake or a lion at the ends.

Bangar
This jewellery of Kashmir is inspired by mother nature. It is an everyday wrist ornament worn by Kashmiri women.

Kanadoor
Kanadoor is an ornament for the ear and is made of gold and silver. It has red, green stones and pearls studded in it. This one is very famous among the young women of Kashmir.
(Did you know Kana-door also refers to ‘beloved’ in Kashmiri poetry? Well, now you do!)

Halqaband
Halqaband is a traditional Kashmiri choker, usually made of gold. It has interlocking sections joined together with a thread. The choker necklace has mirror work and precious stones like rubies, emeralds and others embedded in it.

Atta-hor
Atta-hor is yet another ornament worn by married Kashmiri pandit women. It hangs over both the ears and is connected by a gold chain over the head.

Jewellery of Jammu:

Chaunk Phool
It is a silver ornament worn by the women of the Rajouri district. It is a silver cap or a crown worn on the head under a veil.

Kundalas
Kundalas are ornaments for the ear and are circular in shape. They are worn by both men and, as well as, women.

Nupura
Nupura is larges anklets worn by the rural woman of Jammu.

Tika, Balu, Band or Kada
Tika, Balu and Band or Kada are some of the ornaments worn by the brides in Jammu. Balu is a nose ring, whereas tika is an ornament worn on the forehead. Band or Kada is a fine gold filigree wrist ornament.