Bangels And The Indian Woman

By Author: Sunil Punjabi
Total Articles: 2565
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Circular in shape and made of a variety of precious and non-precious materials (like wood, glass, stone, gold, silver, copper, and platinum), Bangels form a part of everyday life for the women of India. Bangels adorn the wrists of a wearer and unlike bracelets, are not flexible in nature. The term 'bangel' is derived from the Hindi word ‘bungri’ meaning ‘glass’ as Bangels made of glass are more common than Bangels made of other materials.

Bangels are typically worn in pairs, with one or more on each arm. These form an integral part of traditional Indian jewelry. It is even believed that without her Bangels, the solah shringar, or the sixteen items that make a woman a vision of beauty, remains incomplete. A bangel worn anywhere else in the world is merely looked upon as a piece of wrist jewelry. In India however, these Bangels signify a lot more. For instance, a great deal of cultural importance is placed on Bangels as they are the most visible signs of marriage. While north Indian brides are seen wearing ivory Bangels to signify their married status, ...
... Maharashtrian women take to green and Bengali women prefer Bangels made of conch shell and red coral. The women of Rajasthan take to wearing traditional Bangels from their wrists right up to their upper arms, while women in other parts of the country are known to choose red Bangels to act as symbols of their husband’s well-being.

While Bangels are available in various materials, women are known to favor gold or glass Bangels or a combination of both. Traditional occasions like weddings and pujas see glass Bangels adorning the hands of the Indian women.

Archeological excavations made in the regions of Mohenjedaro and Taxilla resulted in the discovery of several bangles made of terracotta, stone, shell, copper, bronze, gold, silver and glass. Studies also suggest the use of Bangels in the Mauryan Empire, indicating that Bangels were in use from the 6th Century. The Bangels found suggest not only a wide range of materials used, but also reveal a variety of designs. For instance, Bangels found from Mauryan sites included features such as copper rivets and even gold-leaf inlay in some cases. Other studies have also revealed Bangels which range from simple and plain circlets of metal to ones with intricate carvings and etchings of exquisite designs. Bangels containing precious stones and gems are also believed to have existed in ancient India.

Bangels these days are found in a larger variety of materials and designs - giving the customers an ample range to choose from. What’s more is that like all things fashionable-related, Bangels too have adapted to the 21st century. Bangels found in the market these days are designed keeping in mind the modern Indian woman and are thus created to be worn with western outfits as well. The numerous designs and materials of Bangels even make the use of them, a fashion statement. However, the use of Bangels as a fashion statement is not restricted to India alone. As the trend of intricately designed Bangels does the round, these accessories are seen scorching up ramps the world over.

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