Jhumka makes a strong case for unity in diversity
One of my assignments, required me to study the jewellery culture of India . Needless to say that every region here has its own specialties. But it is noteworthy that jhumka is one such jewel that is beyond culture, era, region, religion and language. This bell-shaped ear ornament is believed to have originated in the temples of South India, Bengal, Orissa and Central India centuries ago but with the passage of time, has made a special place in every culture. Today, if you walk into a north Indian wedding, from the bride to the family members and the guests, you will notice most of them flaunting this gorgeous pair . From hoop-jhumkas and multi-step designs to oversize ones, there is a spectacle of jhumkas to feast your eyes on. When you travel to the land of sand dunes, Rajasthan, you’ll be even more fascinated by the kaanphool version of this pair which is essentially ear-crawlers with jhumka bells. Maharashtra’s bridal earrings too goes by the same name and even ...