Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the oldest cities in India. It has a very rich culture and history. It was the capital of ancient Kashi region. This isaplace auspicious for religions Jain, Buddhist and Sanatana. It is called the city of Kashi Vishvanath. The worshippers visit various ghats in the bank of river Ganges.

As a known place for art and craft Varanasi has developed its own tradition in Gems and Jewelry. Meenakari of the city has earned a name among the Jewelery lover women and girls. Jewelery of Varanasi is one of its kinds. The specialty is Pink Meena. As the city manufactures in its own fashion, quantity is not as much as Jaipur or Bikaner. May the common people do not remember Varanasi for Kundan Meena Jadau, but it is significant for those having a taste for design and fashion. This oriental Jewelery of Varanasi means some thing special for them.

Today, I am remembering the old heritage of the city, forgotten Oriental Kundan Jadau Meena ornaments. Varanasi made allmost all types of wearable ornaments in its own fashion in the past. Tradition is still going on with a reduced pace. Below are the samples of the same.

Necklace: Various kinds of necklaces were manufactured in the city e.g. Katla, made of 9 pieces joining in a row. Teek that look like a collar, Tetua slang used for neck. Patrihar is a long necklace being the pieces joined like a string with pearl or Colorstone beads. Champa kali is also a type of necklace with pieces resembling buds of flower Champa. These buds are assembled in a half moon shape. Hasli is a half moon shaped rod like necklace. Hasli is made in various places but Varanasi Hasli is wider than that of other places.

Earrings: A tops like shape is called Karnafool means flower of the ears. Dooms like piece hanging with the earrings are called Jhumka.

Bracelet: Bracelets are called Jahangiree being the center piece oval or rectangular. Pearls are stringed to it to make a belt. Kada, Kankini, Pachheli and Chhand are like modern days Churi in different designs. These are to be worn together.

Hath fool is a beautiful oriental ornament covering entire palm and the fingers.

Armlets: Baazuband and Rooli are the kinds of armlet. Joshan is to cover the arms above Baazuband.

Ring: Arshi is a special kind of ring in which a mirror is studded along with diamond or other precious stones.

Ornaments for head and forehead: One can wear Chhapka as an ornament by the side of head. Juluf has nine strings in which five types of Tikda hangs. Sikabena has nine peacocks covering forehead. Bindibena is similar ornament using Tikdis.

Kalangi and sarpech are the ornaments for the male.

Paejaeb are for leg and Kardhani for the waist.

Many of these old fashioned ornaments are not in use in modern days, but loved as antique Jewelery. The very purpose of the article is to remind the rich old tradition and amazing art worth mention.