Hasli

A rigid necklace

HasliIndian Family Jewels

AN INTRODUCTION TO FAMILY JEWELS

‘Family Jewels: Indian Adornment Revealed’ is an effort to impart knowledge on the distinction of India’s precious jewellery, recognising many of its roots including tribal, agrarian, trade-based or royal in nature.

Hasli - A Video IntroductionIndian Family Jewels

Hasli - A Video Introduction

HasliIndian Family Jewels

The belief around a Hasli

In India, Haslis are believed to have first been worn by the women of the Banjara community of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The community then migrated to different parts of the country including Telangana in the 14th century AD.

HasliIndian Family Jewels

About the hasli

The traditional Hasli is rigid and tapers towards the end in the form of a collar necklace. 

About the hasli

While some are symmetrical, others may have a pendant.

About the hasli

Some also feature enamelling on the back.

HasliIndian Family Jewels

The Design

The Hasli's form is rigid, usually made of silver or gold. The designs can be minimal or they can feature elaborate inlay and enamel work. The necklace tapers towards the end, following the collar and some feature a pendant.

Hasli - Other namesIndian Family Jewels

Hasli - Other names

The Hasli is also known as Hansuli, Hasli and Hansdi.

Hasli - The etymologyIndian Family Jewels

Hasli - The Etymology

This type of necklace derives its name from the Hindi word 'hansuli' meaning 'collar bone'. It rests on the collarbone of the wearer.

HasliIndian Family Jewels

Kasumalai - Etymology

Literally translating to 'necklace of coins', i.e., Kasu (coin) Mala (necklace), the Kasumala is a garland of gold coins strung very closely so they often slightly overlap each other.

Hasli - The historic significanceIndian Family Jewels

The historic significance

Hasli - The materialIndian Family Jewels

The Materials of the hasli

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