INNOVATIVE ADAPTATION OF TRADITIONAL KUNDAN MEENA JEWELLERY BY INDIAN FILM INDUSTRY

Abstract

Since ancient times, the desire to adorn one self and thus jewellery took root in India. India being a "gem-bearing" country has been a treasure trove of various precious stones and has enticed many a traveler, trader and invader alike. Transgressing through time and history, Indian jewellery today has not remained just a craft, but evolved into an art - both in design and workmanship. Indian Arts and Crafts of each age reflect the culture, traditions and happenings of that particular era. Every age, every dynasty, every empire has its influence and essence in the art and crafts belonging to those times. These chronological eras have gifted Indian gems and jewellery industry with various genres of jewellery such as silver, diamond studded, colour stone, Thewa, Kundan Meena, etc. All of these segments have their individual character and significant holding in terms of jewellery, but Kundan Meena jewellery hold a distinctive position within the group because of its trend changing adaptability. The Kundan Minakaari style of jewellery presents a unique blend of two distinct genres of jewellery crafting. Interestingly, both these design are stand alone techniques of jewellery making, offering infinite possibilities of manifesting the craftsperson imagination to create something that is magnificently beautiful.