Nose Pins – A Tradition that Enhances the Beauty of Indian Women

Nose pins are loved by every aged group of women. Amongst the many jewelry worn by ladies, nose pins have been scientifically explored and it has been traditionally considered sacred and aesthetically attractive from a very long period of time. In the Indian culture, Nose pins have been worn for a very long time. It has been said by the historians that the nose pins were brought to India by the Middle Eastern populations who had come to India in the 16th Century with the Mughals, but there has not been any solid proof regarding the above statement..

Some see that nose stud was not in use between the ancient times and it was presented by intruders during the eleventh century.

Another school of thought quotes ancient Ayurvedic text Sushruta Samhita (Chikitsa Sthana Chapter 19) to suggest that nose piercing was prevalent from ancient period. It is believed that the piercing of the nose near a particular node on the nostril lessens the pain during the monthly menstrual cycle. Some also believe that it protects women from nasal infection.

Nose stud is widely worn in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, by both married and unmarried young women. It is known as ‘mookkutthi.’ In some instances, women wear nose stud on both the wings of their nose. Nose studs of Konkani brides from Goa are famous especially for its design, which are adorned with small fish or birds. Nose pins are not the preferred choice in South India.

Nose ring and nose stud are a preferred choice in North India and in several communities it is a must during marriage ceremonies. A nose ring or pin or stud can be made of gold, pearl and diamond. In some Hindu communities, the nose stud is not removed and it is a symbol of married women like sindoor and mangal sutra and is an essential part of Shodash Shringar or Solah sringar – the sixteen beautification processes of a bride.

In some regions, it is worn on the left wing of the nose and in some regions it is on the right. For example, a bride from Maharashtra wears it on the left. In Gujarat, it is worn on the right. The size and style of nose stud also varies from region to region. The big nose ring is only worn on the marriage day. Some communities opt for small nose rings. Nose stud or ring is used in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

There is also a kind of septum (the dividing part between two cavities) piercing, which is equally popular as nose piercing, in Nepal and in northern parts of India including Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. This nose ring is known as ‘Bulak.’ Such piercing is also practiced in eastern India by some communities.

Nowadays, some Hindu women see nose stud as part of modern day trendy fashion jewelry. Some are also fighting against wearing nose rings which act as an impediment in their daily activities.