Nose Rings (Mukuthi)

Although nose rings / mukuthi are very common in India, they actually originated in the Middle East. It was only during the 16th century that the practice of piercing the nose filtered into India, for ancient Indian civilization has not recorded any evidence of its existence either in the sculptures at Ajanta and Ellora, the excavations of Harappa and Mohenjadaro or during the reign of the Kushan and Gupta dynasties. Nose rings / mukuthi seem to be associated with the Hindu religion itself. However, the fact that Muslim ladies and children also wear nathunis (nose rings) belies the fact at least to a certain extent.

Nose rings / mukuthi first made their appearance when the mughals ruled India. These nose rings  / mukuthi not rings in the real sense of the word. They were minute ornamental patterns depicting a tiny flower with a thin stem, which entered the left nostril, and was held in place by a screw on the inside. These were sometimes decorated with delicate chains or fragile pendants.

The nose rings / mukuthi were made either of gold or diamond and were in the form of a small ball or a small flat disc. The type of nose ring is determined by the area to be adorned.

If it is the nostril, studs are common, if it is the septum, a circular barbell is worn and if it is the bridge of the nose between the eyes, a straight barbell adorns the nose.

Sometimes the Septum rings are so large that they cover a portion of the mouth and often come in the way while eating. The nostril rings also vie for attention. Some of them are so heavily ornamented with pearls and precious stones that they have to be supported by fine chains, which are attached to the hair. The Bulak which is quite common in Madhya Pradesh is a perfect example of this.

Stainless steel, 14\18 carat gold, titanium, nickel or niobium are the metals that nose rings / mukuthi are generally made from. Nickel can cause allergic reactions often in the form of rashes or sensation of burning around the area of the nose ring / mukuthi. So remember, if it does not suit you, do consider an alternative metal. Sometimes, gems are glued on to the nose rings. The chances are that the gems will fall out sooner or later, so ensure that they are mechanically set.  

Strangely enough, calves are also made to wear nose rings / mukuthi. However, the purpose is not ornamental. They are meant to successfully wean the calf. The nose rings / mukuthi interfere with the feeding process frustrating both the calf and the cow. When this happens often, the calf gets used to the idea of not being able to feed and is successfully weaned without going through the trauma of separation.