Art Historian* 🇮🇳
Art Historian* 🇮🇳

@Arthistorian18

19 Tweets 1 reads Jan 26, 2023
Tales as old as time has depicted that the definition of beauty has always been dynamic. So, if we were to dig a little deeper into our surroundings and ask our grandparents what beauty means for them, as a result, the notion of ‘Solah Shringar’ .....
THREAD
@talesofBharat
1/19
would be brought in the conversation somehow. 
‘Solah’ meaning sixteen and ‘Shringar’ meaning to make-up or dress up.
Solah Shringar essentially is a toolkit of sixteen vital items that add to the beauty and charms of a woman from head to toe. But,these sixteen items have
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changed with time and preferences. So, addressing a larger question would be what was the beauty notion these items were addressed to and were these only a layer of charms, or is there more to the tradition that is lost with time?
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Symbolic Value
While the narratives are all different from one another, the continuous use of gold ornaments has been constant throughout history. Ornaments of the gold carry a symbolic value because gold as an element stands for resilience, purity, and prosperity.
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1. Bindi
The point between eyebrows is inclined to unease and tension. Massaging this point daily through the application of a bindi helps in relaxing the muscles and nerves in this area and thus sending a calming tone for the body. 
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2. Sindoor
Vermillion powder or Sindoor contains turmeric, lime, and a minute level of the metal, mercury. When applied to the hair partition, the elements help in cooling down the body.
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3. Maangtikka
A maangtika adds appealing aesthetics to the face. Not only this it helps in regulating heat emission from the body.
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4. Kajal
The Kajal not only brings out the beautiful shapes of the eye but it also helps in keeping eyes healthy. Organic kajal made of coal and cooper possesses anti-bacterial properties.
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5. Nath
Piercing the nose near a particular point on the nostril helps in lessening the pain during monthly periods in women.
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6. Necklace
Wearing a necklace helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate.
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7. Earrings
Ear piercing and earring wearing are a remedy for menstrual problems and in addition, have an acupuncture effect on the body.
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8. Mehendi
Application of mehndi can help prevent stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense.
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9. Bangles
Despite being beautiful and vibrant, the bangles help in increasing blood circulation in the hand.
10. Armlet
Adding another layer of auspiciousness, the Rajasthani and South Indian brides are seen wearing this ornament on their upper arm of the hand.
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Rajasthani and South Indian brides usually wear this ornament on their upper arm of the hand as it is considered auspicious.
11. Waistband
They are a reminder for controlling women from putting on weight, especially around the hips and belly.
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12. Hair Ornaments
Ornaments such as jasmine flowers were traditionally worn as they were aesthetically pleasing and in addition, were preferred for their long-lasting fragrance. It keeps the wearer fresh all day long
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13. Finger rings
Rings pressurize fingers. Therefore, connecting some part of the body or brain rings act as acupuncture for the fingers. However, not thumb.
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14. Anklet
Wearing an anklet adds rhythm to the movements. Not only this it adds to the foot strength of the wearer.
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15. Scent
Hygiene is of utmost importance. Therefore, the scent helps keep odor away and wearer fresh.
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16. Dupatta
In addition to the glamour and beauty, a dupatta protects from heat and dust particles.
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Image & Text : Stories by Joseph Radhik & rajasthanstudio(dot)com

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