A jewellery checklist for a Bharatnatyam dancer!

Every time I see a Bharatnaytam dancer, I definitely look forward to an exciting performance but even before that, it is their gorgeous costume that fascinates me. The stunning saree draped in a traditional way, the bedazzling jewels and yes, the stylish hairdo, completely awes the onlookers like me. But amongst all, it is the jewels that I would especially like to talk about today. Why? Adorning the performer from head to toe, it adds that well-deserved drama to the legendary dance form and therefore, needs to be extensively spoken about.

As legend has it, the Bharatnatyam jewellery is essentially temple jewellery that were offered to deities and after that, went to the temple dancers. Since Bharatnatyam is a dance form that expresses South Indian religious and spiritual ideas, particularly of Shaivism, but also of Vaishnavism and Shaktism, religious symbols too are a part of the design theme.

Here's the checklist of the Bharatnatyam jewels: 

1. Jumka (earring with upward extension)
2. Oddiyanam (waist band)
3. Nathni (nose ring)
4. Long Mala (long necklace)
5. Short Mala (choker)
6. A pair of Vaanki (arm bands)
7. Chudiya (matching bangles)
8. Ghungroo (musical anklet with metallic bells)
9. Mattal (forehead)
10. Chandra (moon-shaped hair ornament)
11. Surya (sun-shaped hair ornament)

With each piece sitting pretty on Bharatnatyam dancers, it makes for the most divine sight. Awe-inspiring!

Author: Deepa Mishra

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