Bangles of the Gonda Tribe

by K. L. Kamat

First Online: July 28,2003
Page Last Updated: December 22,2007

When a young Gonda woman goes around fully decorated with silver jewelry, she reminds one of  the Shila-Balika of Belur. To appreciate and to admire her artistic jewelry itself is quite an experience, and even the women-libbers who shun jewelry may have to reconsider! 

Some bangles are solid and many are hollow. The Gondas do not believe in broad bangles, so they have to custom-snug-fit by the jeweler. Once worn, they cannot be removed, and are worn life-long. The bangles worn for special occasion (removable) have a hinge mechanism. 

© K. L. Kamat

Bangles of the Gond Tribe

© K. L. Kamat

Finely Crafted Bangle

Some of the different types of bangles worn by the Gonds are:

• Davari
• Chani is a simple yet artistic bangle
• Vimariya bangles remind one of snake skin
• Bangles resembling kadaga
• Bangles resembling anklet
• Bangles in the shape of earthworm, formed of concentric rings
• Hinged bangles
• Very light weight hollow bangles

See Also:

• Contents Adapted from Kamat's Diaries
• Children of the Forest God -- Learn about the little known, but very rich traditions and cultures of the tribals of India
• The Gond Tribe