Anikalan : Jeweled Elegance: A Timeless Tale of Womenhood in Tamil Nadu, Volume 1: Jeweled Elegance: A Timeless Tale of Womenhood in Tamil Nadu

By Murugesan, Sibiraj

Book Id: WPLBN0100750068
Format Type: PDF (eBook)
File Size: 1.59 MB.
Reproduction Date: 20/01/2024

Title:	Anikalan : Jeweled Elegance: A Timeless Tale of Womenhood in Tamil Nadu, Volume 1: Jeweled Elegance: A Timeless Tale of Womenhood in Tamil Nadu
Author:	Murugesan, Sibiraj
Volume:	Volume 1
Language:	English
Subject:	Non Fiction, Fine Arts, Traditional Jewellery of Tamilnadu
Collections:	Authors Community, History
Historic Publication Date:	2024
Publisher:	Self Publishing

Member Page:	Sibiraj Murugesan
Citation APA MLA Chicago Murugesan, S. (2024). Anikalan : Jeweled Elegance: A Timeless Tale of Womenhood in Tamil Nadu, Volume 1. Retrieved from http://gutenberg.cc/

Description
Anikakan, Jeweled Elegance: A Timeless Tale of Womanhood in Tamil Nadu" is a captivating exploration of the exquisite jewelry traditions of Tamil Nadu, India. This meticulously crafted book delves into the cultural significance, intricate designs, and profound symbolism of the region's jewelry, offering a rich tapestry of knowledge and appreciation. Through stunning visuals and comprehensive research, the author presents a heartfelt dedication to preserving these vanishing traditions, making this book a poignant bridge that connects readers to the cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu. With a focus on the role of women in adorning themselves with these timeless treasures, "Jeweled Elegance" is a reservoir of knowledge and a deeply enriching experience for anyone seeking to understand and cherish the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Summary
Anikalan, Jeweled Elegance: A Timeless Tale of Womanhood in Tamil Nadu" is a captivating exploration of the exquisite jewelry traditions of Tamil Nadu, India. This meticulously crafted book delves into the cultural significance, intricate designs, and profound symbolism of the region's jewelry, offering a rich tapestry of knowledge and appreciation. Through stunning visuals and comprehensive research, the author presents a heartfelt dedication to preserving these vanishing traditions, making this book a poignant bridge that connects readers to the cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu. With a focus on the role of women in adorning themselves with these timeless treasures, "Jeweled Elegance" is a reservoir of knowledge and a deeply enriching experience for anyone seeking to understand and cherish the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Excerpt
Later on, kings and chieftains of the Ramanathapuram district purchased a set of gold ornaments studded with diamonds for an offering in a temple in Chettinad. The exquisite designs during those times laid the foundation for the tradition of temple jewellery. Over the centuries, this jewellery evolved from being exclusively for deities to becoming a cherished art form adorned by Bharatanatyam dancers and those with an appreciation for pieces reminiscent of the glorious Sangam period. As centuries passed, royalty commissioned artisans for personal use, gifting these jewels to Devadasis who danced in royal courts. Devadasis, also known as temple dancers, popularized the jewelry, referring to it as "Arakku" jewelry. This type, made of gold with ruby, emerald, and pearls, later evolved with the introduction of "Kemp Jewelry" in the 12th century. Using glass colored naturally and set with molten arakku, this technique made the jewelry more affordable. Traditionally gold, the base transitioned to silver coated with molten gold leaves. Vadasery, a tiny village on the outskirts of Nagercoil, has become renowned for its handmade temple jewellery. The village boasts over 200 jewellery units, employing more than 700 skilled artisans. The intricate process involves the use of silver, gold leaf, wax, and synthetic stones, all carefully sourced from Chennai and Tiruchengode. The meticulous craftsmanship begins with the design, drawn on paper, which is then translated into silver sheets. These sheets are intricately shaped and adorned with silver tape, creating the base for the jewellery. Beeswax, mixed with a locally available stone called kittakal, is heated and poured into cavities, forming the foundation for stone settings. The entire piece is electroplated in gold, providing a glittering finish. The stones are then carefully set in these cavities, showcasing the artistry and precision of the skilled artisans. This labor-intensive process, though tedious, results in pieces of exquisite beauty. In contemporary designs, gold and silver are often paired with synthetic stones, maintaining the tradition's essence. The preference for dark reddish maroon or dark green stones, known as kuchu kal, adds a touch of authenticity to the recreations of original pieces. Temple jewellery, whether made with synthetic or precious stones, encompasses a wide variety of designs, including coronets and ornaments crafted for special offerings in temples. The popularity of these pieces endures, with some being heavy, embedded with stones in gold foil, and others being lighter, featuring more emphasis on silver and gold work. Designs like Makara, naga, yali, swan, parrot, and mango, adorned with red, blue, green, and white stones, remain among the most sought after. In 2018, the temple jewellery of Nagercoil received the prestigious Geographical Indication Tag (GI), recognizing its timeless elegance and exemplary craftsmanship. This heritage, deeply rooted in the vibrant history of Nagercoil, continues to captivate admirers and embody a rich legacy that extends beyond time.

Table of Contents
Traditional Jewellery of Tamilnadu Temple jewellery Vadaserry Jewellery Nakshi Jewellery Chettinad Jewellery