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SIKH JEWELLERY
Punjab the land nurtured by five rivers, has a fertile repertoire
of designs nurtured by prosperous kingdoms over the centuries. The
Sikh jewellery comprised mainly of gold, but its proximity to Delhi
saw influences of the Mughal and Rajput traditions seep in. The royal
women had a variety of jewellery to choose from. The tikka, or the
forehead pendant, earrings, nose-rings, bangles, necklace, waist bands,
anklets… literally from head to toe! Among earrings, the Karnphool
(flower on the ear), created by Mughal Empress Nur Jahan is very popular.
It is a flower shaped ear stud with a bell shaped pendant. A Sikh
bride wears, among other jewellery, a thumb ring set with mirror instead
of stones with pearls around it. Sikh jewellery was not restricted
to women. The royal rulers wore the Kalgi; a turban ornament pinned
on to the front folds. Its motifs were basically derived from the
impression of a stylized feather. They were also shaped in peacock
or floral motifs. The treasured heirlooms were strictly guarded by
the state treasurers and were worn only for special public functions
by the royal. These have been passed on from generation to generation
and still inspire awe when worn . |
