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Indian bangles stand by your company as if unique blessings adorn your hands! Bangles, more so than any other jewellery, have a unique gleam. Bangles are a mainstay of Eastern jewellery, and no outfit is whole without them. Women all over the Indian subcontinent have one or the other kind of Bangle Designs with which they decorate their wrists and hands. Their looming influence has spread to the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan.
Bangles are a part of an assortment of Indian jewellery ranging from necklaces, earrings, nose-pin or Nath, Kamar bandh and matha Patti. They are available in several kinds of metals that may be Gold, Silver, Diamond, Polki or more.
If you are wondering about the origin of bangles or why they are so important to the Indian culture then all your queries will be explicitly answered. One of the crowning jewels for an Indian married woman, bangles have a long trace to the past. They are worn on special occasions and as daily wear the same.
Unmarried women wear bangles as fashion statements in India, matching them with their traditional and ethnic outfits. Also appearing in ‘Chur’ and ‘Kada’ forms, which are the fancier selection of bangles, they are more contemporary in style.
Historical Significance and Lineage of Bangles
Gold and other rare metals have not always been present in jewellery. Bangles were fashioned of copper, seashell, and earthenware, according to digs at Mohenjo-Daro. Historically, the bangles were decorated with heavy black patterns and donned by both males and females. Through time, it was thought that wearing wristbands helped to improve blood flow.
Metal pieces from the discoveries at Mahurjhari, ornamented bracelets that originated in the Mauryan Dynasty, plus gold bangle pieces out from the historical landmark of Taxila are among the earliest instances of bands in earlier times. Several Mauryan locations have indeed yielded carved shell bangles. Copper screws and, in some instances, gemstone inlay are also included.
When considering a solitary bangle worn by certain females and males, then Kada comes to mind. It is worn on their arm or wrist. Rewarded by the father of a Sikh bride in Sikhism to the groom is the Mohra, Kada followed by a Golden ring. Chooda is a type of bracelet that Punjabi brides wear on their matrimony day. It comprises a collection of stone worked white and red bangles. Ladies are not deemed to purchase the bangles they will dress on themselves, as per the antique customs.
This Indian jewellery has a round form and is not as pliable as bracelets. The term comes from the Hindi name Bungri (glass). Several precious and non-precious materials are used to make them. Espoused Bengali and Orissa based Hindu ladies wear white-coloured sea shell bands
Medieval ladies and youngsters are identified by their bangles. Bead bracelets are used extensively in many Indian dance traditions. Pieces of jewellery hitting against each other along a musical beat have been one of the prominent dancing genres.
The styles vary from basic to elaborate handcrafted pieces, with expensive and semi-precious gemstones including diamonds, jewels, and pearls frequently used. A clinking noise is heard by a set of costly gold or silver wristbands. Once waggled, the counterfeit jewellery makes a whiny noise.
Types of Indian Bangle Designs
Colourful Evergreen Choodiyan
What is most attractive about the Indian Choodiyan still, is the tinkling sounds it makes when they touch one another. Appearing in huge sets of 10, 20 or even more, these bangles are made of premium metals. Gold and diamond bangles are in great demand among the women of India. Married women wear a pair of Choodi regularly indicating it to be a sign of their espoused status.
Choodiyan is a fashion statement for young girls who wear such sets with their Indian ethnic attire like Ghagra-Choli or Saree. Popular Indian cinema has made these kinds of bangles even more trending through their timeless songs like ‘Bole Choodiyan and ‘Chittiyan Kaliyaan Ve’.
Range of Indian Choodi Styles
Contemporary Bracelets
A cuff or elbow bracelet seems to be an accessory that is worn on the hand or forearm. The term “bracelet” has its origin in the Latin term “brachium,” which means “arm.” Bracelets were ubiquitous and flexible jewellery that males and females wear. These bracelets have different levels of complexity and styles.
Native bracelets began as skeletal and shells bangles and then progressed to precious metals like gold and diamond bracelets following the foundation of these materials. Indigenous bracelets come in a range of metals, patterns, and fashions currently.
Marriage as well as other festive bangles bracelets in Asia are mainly constructed of gold. Though gold appears to be a common option among ladies for everyday use including special events, males choose silver and perhaps other material bracelets, saving gold for events such as weddings.
Image Source: Amazing Design
Gold Designer Bracelet
Trending Kada Bangles
Any item of jewellery that complements a woman’s appearance is constantly updated with new patterns concerning marketing and recent trends. Within all jewellery, a Kada band improves the beauty of Women in India and renders them ageless, and elegant.
Kundan, Polki and Gold Kadas seem to be of great significance currently. Women of diverse cultures, whether they be Hindu, Sikh or Muslim, wear Indian Kadas of various kinds on occasions. Wearing these pieces of jewellery for traditional or religious functions is now the norm among the female populace of the country. It derives a fashion statement like none other and enhances the look of all outfits whenever worn.
Image Source – Dhanalakshmi Jewellers
Elephant Design Kada
Fancy Kangan
A broader version of the thin Chood bangles, it is worn on each wrist by women. It accentuates the look of the Chood and hence, is often seen to be paired with them. However, it can also be worn alone due to the versatility of styles, colours and value of the Kangan. Accessible in Gold, Kundan and other precious metals, this Kangan is a crucial part of the Bangle culture of India.
Arm Covering Baju Band
Accessories for the arm are popular among both sexes of the country since ancient times. They are similar in shape to the wristlets, but, also marginally different. They tend to be made of lighter weight and tied by a string to prevent any fall from the arm. Women of Bengal, Rajasthan and Gujarat especially wear these Bajuband-oriented bangles. Brides of India are also witnessed wearing it to accentuate their bridal attire.
Image Source: Pic Click
Kangan
What do bangles symbolize in India?
- In marriages, very much like the Mangalsutra, bangles are important accessories marking a woman’s matrimony on the marriage day and beyond. In the North, for instance, the red ivory bangles are worn by Sikh married women for days.
They are symbolic of prosperity, health and luck for women.
- With gold being highly auspicious for the Southern people, they pair gold bangles with green glass ones. The green hue indicates fertility and prosperity.
- As mentioned, apart from red and green, bangles are marked by several other colours which all speak of different things. For example –
- Blue bangles demonstrate wisdom, Silver indicates the strength, Orange Indian bangles celebrate accomplishment and Golden stands for prosperity.
- At present, however, these traditions are slowly taking a backseat and the primary reason for younger women to wear these bangles is the fashion statements set by these jewels. Their contemporary designs and subtle colours enhance any look when worn and hence, have become a must for the ladies, who wish to elevate their fashion.
Image Source: Shaadi Saga
Indian Bridal Bangle Assortment
Conclusion
The Indian sphere of jewellery is surrounded by a range of exquisite pieces, whether it may be in the form of Necklaces, Chokers, Rings, Earrings or the discussed Bangles. Acquiring tasteful jewels that are sustainable and remain relevant for a lifetime may often be a difficult task.
Thus, you can easily Contact Mahabir Danwar or Book a Free Video Consultation for a quick session to understand your future buys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Bangle is best?
- While the answer depends on your choice and that which suits your vibe, we can offer you an expert’s perspective on things.
If you’re looking for valued jewelry that will not only be great in design but also have a significant return value in the future, then investing in a pure Gold bangle would be an ideal choice.
Though, the Diamond and Kundan accessories have remarkable qualities.
Q: What is the religious value of bangles in Indian culture?
- Indian women often wear bangles due to the religious significance attached to them for the past few decades. They bring sound health and wealth to the husband. Also, Bangles are considered lucky for Indian ladies.
Q: How many types of bangles are there in India?
- There are several types of bangles in India with no exact count of the same. However, a rough figure may exceed to be more than twelve-fifteen.
Q: What are those metal Indian bracelets called?
- The metal bracelets of India are known as Kada or Kara.
