Our country is known for its culture and heritage. Each state in our country has its own story to recite. When it comes to grooming, history is traced back to the Indus valley civilization. The jaw-dropping designs of ornaments astonished the historians and jewelry makers. Among the different jewels, earrings are the fascinating ones. There are over 17 types of earrings. Among all these, only one continues to sustain in this trending world. It’s none other than Jhumka.

The Jhumka earrings have a deep attachment with the history of Indian ornaments’ design and grooming styles. The word itself helps us to picture its movement and expressiveness. Every girl will have a personal attachment to this jewel. The first experience of me wearing Jhumka is still an evergreen memory. It was a gift from my grandmother. I was 18 years old when she gave me it. It was the first day of my life to wear a saree. I wore a pure maroon silk saree. I braided my hair; decorated it with beautiful Madurai Malli flower string. The grooming didn’t get full-filled until I wore the beautiful pair of Jhumka made with pearl and kempu stone. Honestly, I couldn’t overcome myself from there. I almost admired myself for the first time in my life. My cheeks turned pink, and I blushed for the rest of the day. And that’s where I began to learn the history of this spectacular ornament.

The word Jhumka means a traditional jingle suspended with distinctive beads. They are basically in the shape of a bell or bowl. Mostly these earrings are worn for ethnic and festive occasions nowadays.

The origin of Jhumka is traced back to the Chola era. We find these silhouettes in the statutes and motifs of temples. These design styles inspired classical dancers. Later they wore it for their dance performance. They made the dance Jhumka with kempu stones. especially, green and red colours with pearl bottom. As it helped highlight the expressions of the dancers and their make-up. These earrings also inspired the north Indian dynasties. The paintings of Mughals show the integral role played by the Jhumka in decorating them. Historians and researchers claim that the Mughal wore Jhumka with an exact bell shape with a hook. These comprised uncut diamonds with gold and later they wore with fancy studs.

Mughal painting

There are over ten different types of Jhumka. They are layered, geometrical, paisley, Kashmiri and chandelier, etc. They wear these earrings according to the type of dress. It is used based on the occasion. Out of all the earrings made with kempu and pearls have a special place in the hearts of south Indian women because of their unique and heart-touching designs.

If self-grooming and styling is an art, Indians are Picasso of it. From Indus valley civilization till now. The trends may change, but we express the essence of our culture and tradition in every small thing we do. And that makes us more unique than others.