Solah Shringar: Awadhi Ornaments in the Caribbean and Beyond
For the descendants of the Girmitya—the indentured laborers who traveled from the Bhojpuri and Awadhi belts of India to Fiji, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad—language and culture were the only possessions that survived the Kala Pani. Today, while the dialects have evolved into Sarnami, Caribbean Hindustani, and Fiji Hindi, the visual vocabulary of the Solah Shringar (the sixteen traditional adornments) remains a powerful link to our ancestral roots.
This article explores the linguistic and cultural nuances of traditional jewelry, focusing on how these terms are preserved in the diaspora. This isn't just about fashion; it is about language preservation and understanding the etymology of the pieces our Nanis and Ajis still cherish.
Table of Contents
The Philosophy of Solah Shringar in the Diaspora
In Awadhi and Bhojpuri traditions, Shringar is more than vanity; it is a ritual. In the Caribbean and South America (Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad), the preservation of these ornaments occurred through oral tradition. Because many migrants were from rural Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the names used today often reflect 19th-century rural dialects rather than modern Standard Hindi.
Head, Hair, and Neck Ornaments
The Maang Tikka and Borla
The Maang Tikka (often spelled Teeka in Guyana and Trinidad) sits on the parting of the hair. In some Sarnami-speaking households in Suriname, you may hear references to the Borla or Sishphul, though the latter is becoming rarer. These pieces symbolize the union of the couple and are essential in wedding marro ceremonies.
The Nose Ring: Nath and Nathni
In Fiji Hindi and Caribbean Hindustani, the nose ring is a vital marker of "Suhag" (marital status). You will hear it called the Nath or Nathni. Interestingly, the smaller nose stud is frequently referred to as a Long (clove), named after its shape.
Necklaces: From Guluband to Champakali
The nomenclature for necklaces in the Caribbean is incredibly rich:
- Guluband: A choker that fits tightly around the neck.
- Champakali: Named after the jasmine bud, this necklace features petal-like pendants.
- Hansli: A thick, silver or gold torque, very common among the early Girmitya women for its durability.
Hands, Arms, and the Iconic Bangles
In Guyana and Suriname, the Kangan and Churi (spelled Choorie) are the most recognized terms. However, the diaspora has preserved specific names for variations:
- Baju Band: The armlet worn on the upper arm, often seen in traditional dance and weddings.
- Hath-Phul: Literally "Hand-Flower," a piece that connects a ring to a bracelet via a chain over the back of the hand.
- Challa: A simple ring, often worn on the thumb or fingers.
Waist and Feet: The Sound of the Payal
The auditory element of the 16 Shringars is provided by the Payal (anklets). In Caribbean Hindustani, these are also colloquially called Jhunjhuna or simply Ankle-chain, but the linguistic root remains Pajeb or Payal.
The Bichwa (toe rings) hold immense significance. In Awadhi culture, the Bichwa is a mandatory sign of a married woman. Even in the modern Caribbean, where Western clothing is common, a Hindu bride will almost always have Bichwa placed on her toes during the wedding ceremony.
Comparative Table of Ornaments and Local Spellings
The following table tracks the names as they appear in local contexts across Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad.
| Body Part | Traditional Name (Awadhi/Bhojpuri) | Local Diaspora Spelling/Term | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forehead | Maang Tikka | Teeka / Mang-Tikka | Center of the soul/intuition |
| Nose | Nathni / Long | Nath / Laung | Symbol of breath and health |
| Neck | Guluband | Gooluband / Galaband | Protection of the throat chakra |
| Arms | Baju Band | Baju-Band / Bajoo | Strength and protection |
| Wrists | Churi / Kangan | Choorie / Kangan | Marital bliss and energy |
| Waist | Kamarband | Kamardhan / Kardhani | Maintaining femininity and grace |
| Ankles | Payal / Pajeb | Payal / Paizeb | The sound of the household's joy |
| Toes | Bichhiya | Bichwa / Bitchua | Connection to the earth/Marriage |
Preserving the Language of Adornment
Why does it matter if we say Bichwa instead of "toe ring"? Because the word Bichwa carries with it the dust of the Gangetic plains and the resilience of the women who crossed the oceans. When we use these terms in Sarnami or Fiji Hindi, we are performing an act of linguistic decolonization.
The 16 Shringars are not just gold and silver; they are a vocabulary of identity. For bloggers and cultural enthusiasts in the Caribbean and beyond, using these local spellings helps ensure that the "Hindustani" identity remains vibrant and phonetically accurate to our unique history.
Are there specific names your family uses for these pieces? Drop a comment below and help us expand this linguistic archive!
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