Kundan jadau Meena of Varanasi: Old Memories

Varanasi,Uttar Pradesh, is one of the oldest city in India. It has a very rich culture and history. It was the capital of ancient Kashi regeon. Thisis a place auspicious for religions Jain, Buddhist and Sanatana. It is called the city of Kashi Vishvanath.Various ghats in the bank of river Ganges are visited by the worshippers.

As a known place for art and craft Varanasi has developed its own tradition in gem and jewelery. Menakari of the city has earned a name among the jewelery lover women and girls. Kundan-meena-jadau jewelery of Varanasi is one of its kind.The speciality 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 have a taste for design and fashion. These oriental jewelery makes a sense for them.

Today, I am remembering the old herritage of the city, forgotten oriental Kundan-jadau-meena ornaments.

Necklace: Various kinds of necklaces were manufactured in the city e.g. Katla, made of 9 pieces joining in a row. Teek which look like a collar, Tetua a slang used for neck. Patrihar is a long necklace being the pieces joined like a string with pearl or colorstone beads. Champakali is also a type of necklace resembling pieces like 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.

Earings: A tops like shape is called Karnafool means flower of the ears. A doom like piece hanging with the ears are called Jhumka.

Bracelate: Bracelates are called Jahangiree being the center piece oval or rectangular. Pearls are stringed to it to make a belt. Kada, Kankini,Pachheli and Chhand were to be worn together. These are like modern days Churi in different designs. Hathfool is a beautiful oriental ornament covering entire palm and the fingers.

Armlates: Baazuband and Rooli are the kinds of armlate. 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: Chhapka is an ornament to be worn by the side of head. Juluf has 9 strings in which five types of tikda hanging. 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 waiste.

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