Jewellery enhances Bharatha Natyam's beauty
By Subashini Pathmanathan
The mention of Bharatha Natyam conjures visions of attractive
costumes and glittering ornaments. Bharatha Natyam practised today
evolved out of Sathir, the temple dance of Devadasis.
Devadasis regarded themselves as brides of the Lord. They decked
themselves in bridal costumes and ornaments. The tradition with
modifications continues. In the past dancers wore expensive costumes and
jewellery. The jewellery was often made of gold freely imported by the
merchant class. Today's dancers use gold or gilt jewellery.
Traditionally, Tamil women parted the hair in the centre of the head
in a straight line, with the nose and even today it is a common feature.
The ornament that is worn down the hair parting is Uchipattam, with a
small pendant dangling on the forehead. The Nethipattam is an ornament
which covers both sides of the forehead. Nethipattam is a pearl and
stone studded chain firmly secured to the Uchipattam. Sometimes the
Uchipattam only is used. To the right of the Uchipattam another
ornament, Suriapirai, is attached-- the emblem of the Sun; on the left
of the Uchipattam the Chandrapirai, the emblem of the moon is attached.
The sun depicts brightness, domination and light, while the moon
illuminates calmness. At the end of the Uchipattam and on the top of the
head the dancer wears the Rakodi. Traditionally, the Rakodi depicts the
head of the peacock against the background of peacock feathers.
Another head decoration is the Chadanaagam which depicts the cobra
(Aathisedan) made of flowers and it is woven along the plaited hair. At
the end of the Chadanagam three flower Kunchams are worn.The ornament
worn round the neck is the necklace called Maangai Malai (Mango
necklace) made out of mango shape stones.
Along with this a Kasumalai of gold sovereigns strung together is
worn round the neck. Instead of gold sovereigns a brass chain, is now
used and with the Kasu Malai, a pearl Malai is also used. The pearl
Malai with three strands attached with pendants depicting the peacock,
parrot, swan or goddess Mahalakshmi is also worn. Another ornament used
is Wangi which is worn on the upper arms.
Oddiyanam is worn around the waist. This is a narrow or broad belt
according to the dancer's fancy. Below the Oddiyanam a waist chain is
worn.
The ornaments for the nose are mainly pillaku and Nathu. Other ear
ornaments are "Ear Studs" Simiki and Kannasaram. Normally ear studs and
Shimiki are stone and pearl studded ornaments. These two ear ornaments
are attached to the hair with another ornament called Kannasaram.
Rings are worn on the fingers and bangles on the wrists. According to
the individual's fancy gold or silver colour small Jingling bells are
worn on the feet and below the jingling bells, pure silver or silver
colour coated anklets are worn.Dancers do their facial make-up with the
aid of make-up men. The palms and feet are painted with red colour ink
or alka.For Andal, Meenakshi Thalattu, and Meenakshi Kaliyanam a special
type of Konde is worn on the side of the head. Male Bharatha Natyam
dancers do not wear any head ornaments, they only wear ear studs,
necklaces, malais, chains worn on the chest, and no other ear or nose
ornaments. |