Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India

by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words

This page relates ‘Various other Finger Ornaments’ of the study on cosmetics, costumes and ornaments of ancient India based on Sanskrit sources. Chapter one deals with cosmetics and methods of enhancing beauty; Chapter two deals with costumes, garments and dresses; Chapter three deals with ornaments for humans and animals. Each chapter deals with their respective materials, types, preparation and trade, as prevalent in ancient Indian society.

2.6. Various other Finger Ornaments

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Besides the above mentioned types, other names used for rings are—(1) Hiraṇyapāṇi, (2) Aṅgulikā, (3) Aṅguṣṭha, (4) Yugaṅgulikā, (5) Ardhāṅgulikā, (6) Vajradhārā, (7) Ṭhikātripuruṣa, (8) Bālikā, (9) Ūrmikā, (10) Aṅgulīveṣṭana, (11) Veṭika, (12) Kaṭaka, (13) Kalāpi, (14) Navagrahamudrā, (15) Hastapatra, (16) Mudrikā, (17) Mudreyaki and (18) Śaktimudrā.

Of these, Hiraṇyapāṇi belongs to the Vedic period^[1]. As its name indicates, it was of gold. Mudrikā and Mudreyakī are sign net rings. According to Bharata, Aṅgulīmudra is worn by the divine and royal male characters and were of several types, designed in the shapes of bird, lotus etc^[2]. Mudrikā mentioned in Kuṭṭanīmata is for men^[3]. But it is described as an ornament of Mahiṣāsuramarddinī, a female deity^[4]. Śaktimudrā, described in Mānasollāsa is in the shape of a snake’s hood^[5]. Navagraha is a ring, set with nine gems. It was considered beneficial for propitiating the nine planets.

Kaṭaka, Kalāpi and Hastapatra according to Bharata, are worn by female characters; while Veṭika is a golden ring put on by divine and royal characters^[6].