Early in the 17th century,
Turkish and
Persian craftsmen were invited to
India by
MughalEmpress Noor Jehan to craft a noble dress, that became particular only for family members of Mughal noble ladies. The art of dupatta crafting remains particular to Mughal descendants. Later, when Mughal governor
Nizam-ul-Mulk declared his autonomy over
Hyderabad Deccan Suba, the begums of Nizam's family modified the creative style of Mughals to form Khara Dupatta. Which was later practiced by general residents of Hyderabad. The montage gallery at
Chowmahalla Palace exhibits the lifestyle royal dresses of Nizams Begums which includes Kara Dupatta.[2]
The ensemble
Sometimes the kurta is worn with a long, lightweight sleeveless overcoat or a shorter koti, a bolero-like waistcoat. The brides wear a matching
ghoonghat (veil) over the head.
The dupatta is usually made of net material and
embroidered with
zardozi work. The border of the dupatta has masala or a ribbon border with embroidered golden
motifs.[3][4][5]
Jhoomar/paasa - a fan-shaped ornament worn on the side of the head
Nath - a nose ring with a large ruby bead flanked by two pearls
Chintaak aka Jadaoo lachcha or Guluband - a choker studded with uncut diamonds and precious stones
Kan phool - earrings that match the Chintaak and consist of a flower motif covering the ear lobe and a bell-shaped ornament that is suspended from the flower. The weight of precious stones and gold in the Karan phool is held up by sahare or supports made of strands of pearls that are fastened into the wearer's hair.
Satlada - necklace of seven strands of pearls set with emeralds, diamonds and rubies
Ranihaar - a long strand of pearls with a wide pendant
Jugni - necklace with several strands of pearls with a central pendant
Gote - Shellac bangles studded with rhinestones and worn with gold colored glass bangles called sonabai
Payal - anklets
Gintiyan - toe rings
Wearing style
The dupatta is draped with the very top part of the middle of the dupatta tucked into the back of the chooridaar. The dupatta is folded accordion pleats at both ends, which are held in place on the left shoulder with a
brooch. The free ends of the dupatta are worn under the right shoulder and over the inside of the right elbow. The
Maang Tikka Bridal Gold transcends fleeting trends; it is a piece of jewelry that stands the test of time. Its timeless design ensures that it remains a cherished heirloom, passed down from one generation to the next, carrying with it the memories and love of countless brides.
^This gorgeous hair/head accessory is held by a hook at the centre parting/maang of the hair/head, with the pendant falling on the center of the forehead. Maang Tika also the sixteen steps Solah Shringar (means 16 Bridal Decorations that consists of sixteen steps that women follow for her beautification from head to toe mostly at the time of their wedding or after wedding to impress her husband) is said to control the heat of our body. The point where it falls is believed to be the Ajna chakra, which in Sanskrit means “to know or perceive”. The chakra is represented by two petals signifying the holy union of male and female on a spiritual, physical and emotional level. Can be worn by female of any ages during any special occasion that requires splendor and touch of royalty.