What Do Rajasthani Brides Wear: A Look At Traditional Jewellery From Head To Toe

While marriage is a huge affair across India, Rajasthanis go a mile extra when it comes to their weddings. From ornaments for the head and arms to kadhas and anklets for the legs, Rajasthani brides are undisputedly the most decorated. Beautiful nose rings, regal maatha pattis (forehead bands), and an exquisite stack of bangles with bajuband, are just some of the many jewellery pieces that ornate a Rajasthani bride on her special day. 

Rajasthani Brides' Traditional Jewelleries

Head

Medhe or Mede, popularly called Sir Patti is a band that stretches across the length of your head. Made with pearls, diamonds, polki, precious stones, gold, and silver, the Sir Patti adorns the head.

The Chaand Sooraj also stretches across the head with a large sun in the middle and two crescent moons on either side. Also prevalent in South-Indian jewellery, the Chand Sooraj represents the duality in a woman's nature.

The sun stands for her strength while the moon embodies her grace. A contemporary version of the Chand Sooraj was recently worn by Masaba Gupta on her wedding day.

The Rakhdi or Bodla is another significant ornament for Rajasthani women and brides alike. It is a bell-shaped headpiece that is placed on the forehead. Usually made with Kundan Meena, studded with precious stones and delicate motifs, the Bodla or Rakhdi, ornaments the forehead beautifully.

Ear

Baalas are large Chaand Baalis that usually take a circular shape. Made out of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls, these easily qualify as a favourite ornament for Rajasthani brides.

Jhelas or Jhalaas can be multi-layered earrings. Some earrings are crafted to cover the length of the ear. Minimalist jhalas will have a thin, delicate string of pearls connecting the earring to the top of the ear or the back of the head.

The maximalist ones involve multiple centrepieces of the earring being placed along the ear. These are bolder and heavier options that many brides choose for their wedding functions.

Nose

Brides wear a large circular nose ring called a nathni that is crafted with gold accompanied by pearls and precious stones. Some nathnis come with a string of pearls that is tucked away at the back of the head.

Neck

Aad also called a Kanthi is a quintessential Rajasthani jewellery neck piece that is widely worn by Rajput brides. Aad is made of two components: a curved arch, also called the choker, that goes around the neck and a curtain-like necklace that cascades below the arch.

The high-neck choker can be made entirely of gold or could be accompanied by Kundan Meena and precious stones. The mesh that falls below the choker is patterned with sapphire, ruby, or emeralds. The ends are finished with droplets of these gemstones. 

Tussi is a similar choker-style neckpiece that is entirely made of pure gold. The engravings on a tussi are neat and done with great precision and attention to detail.

Arms and Hands

Bajuband is an armlet that is worn on the biceps of both arms. A traditional Rajput ornament, Bajuband is also worn by brides and women of other cultures.

Pauchi or Nogri and Gajra are bracelets that feature small molecules or balls of gold arranged to craft a larger piece. These larger pieces are lined to form a band. Pearls are also used to make Gajra and Pauchi.

Bangdi, on the other hand, is an all-gold kadha or bangle. The rim of the bangle is surrounded by gold balls.

To adorn the hands is the Hathphool. While it can be crafted with many designs, it includes rings for each or some fingers with strings attaching these rings to a bracelet. 

Feet

Ramjhol and Aila are two kadhas (bangles) that are worn above the ankle. They are made in gold and engraved with great precision and detail. They are slightly loose bangles and hang over the Paijeb or Payal that fit the ankle.

The Payal or anklet can be made of gold or silver and can be crafted and designed in various ways.

The Bichiya or toe rings are the final ornaments that hold much significance for Rajasthani brides. They continue to wear it as a sign of being married.