Tribal Jewellery of Madhya Pradesh :

Madhya Pradesh is one state in India which can boast of a history dating back to the 6th century B.C. It was the hot seat of the Gupta Empire until the coming of the Huns who wrecked havoc upon them and completely obliterated the Empire. The history of the state may be impressive but equally impressive is the Art and Crafts of Madhya Pradesh, India. The contribution of Madhya Pradesh in the field of Art and Craft is indispensable. With each growing year the Crafts of Madhya Pradesh has gained momentum. Tribal Jewelry of Madhya Pradesh is famous all over India for its exquisite designing, and if want something off beat to take back home as souvenirs this should feature on one's list. 

Tribal Jewelry is made of silver, beads, cowries, metals, and feather. Tikamgarh, jhabua and Sheopur kalan are the main. Interestingly the tribal folk are so taken in by ornaments that you would often find even the men sporting them. These tribal craftsmen passed their skill from one generation to the other and hence the art stayed in the family.

There is some specialty in this tribal jewellery. Lac jewellery, which is very famous and also favorite, is prominent in Rewa District and Indore District. The artisan used to make chokers, bead chains, earrings, and hair ornaments in the traditional designs. All these ornaments have a golden luster as well. Some of the other important ornaments for married women are Mangalsutra and Hansuli. These are actually the symbol of married women. Hansuli is necklace and is also used by unmarried women also.

The artists of this region normally design beautiful gold and silver jewellery studded with precious as well as semi precious stones and also pearls. These are always coated with enamel work making them more beautiful. Some of the special type of bangles they made, which are of lac and glass, is worn by all the communities. The anklets, which they used, are clove shaped beads. These are usually made of silver.

One of the important tribe of Madhya Pradesh is Bastar District. The tribal folk of this region are very fond of jewellery. They usually make jewellery out of grass, beads and cane. The traditional ornaments are also very popular at this place. These are usually made of silver, wood, glass, peacock feathers, copper and wild flowers. These ornaments are very popular as these have ethnic value too. The bastar tribal women also wear necklaces made out of one rupee coin.

A wide variety of silver beads are found all over Madhya Pradesh. In filigree work these silver wires and beads are used.
The Government of Madhya Pradesh is trying to uphold the cause of the Tribals of Madhya Pradesh by giving them enough scope to showcase their craft form like Tribal Jewelry. Moreover it brings in sufficient revenue for the government. Tribals or Adivasis of any place in India will always be adorned with chunky jewelry that accentuates their beauty. Simply clad in a cotton sari and bejeweled with intricate pieces of necklaces, bangles, heavy silver anklets and toe rings bedeck them in all its glory.