The Traditional Jewellery of Pabbar Valley

Abstract

Passion for jewellery is legendary. It is reflected in the numerous customary occasions where it is not only considered auspicious but mandatory to gift ornaments. The bride's trousseau is incomplete without the ornaments. Jewellery in India has drawn upon the many facets of its people, and has in turn been inspiration and solace to both wearer and beholder. Sculptors and painters transgressed boundaries between the real, the ideal and the imaginary, profusely embellishing their images with ornaments. Rulers used jewels as statements of power and prestige. To the Indian woman, gold holds special significance to her life. It is far more than the ultimate enhancer of beauty, it is that precious thing which stays and grows with her though the different stages in life. It is also her <i>Stridhan, </i>her security in the face of adversity, to be encashed in times of need or distress. The Indian woman has always been very creative in her expression of jewellery and design. In keeping with India's rich heritage of diversity, jewellery also takes on regional nuances. It is the ultimate and most-personal expression of region specific culture and art of lifestyles and heritage. It draws inspiration from architecture, dance and even religious customs.<br> Each part of India offers their own traditional ornaments with special significance and these typically traditional ornaments with slight variations remain trendy at all times. The paper describes the traditional jewellery worn by the women of Pabbar valley of Himachal Pradesh, one of the northern states of India.