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India - A Brahmin lady
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India - A Brahmin lady
India - A Brahmin lady with distinctive nose piercings. Brahmin is the class of educators, law makers, scholars and preachers of Dharma in Hinduism, occupying the highest position among the four varnas of India. The outside of the left nostril is the preferred position of nasal piercing in India, as this is supposed to make childbirth easier (as Ayurvedic medicine associates this location with the female reproductive organs). In India piercings were regarded as a mark of beauty and social standing in addition to a Hindus honour to Parvathi (the Goddess of marriage) from the 16th century. Date: 1908
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Brahmin Caste Educated Nasal Nose Nostril Piercing Scholar Ayurvedic
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, dated 1908, depicts a graceful Brahmin lady from India adorned with distinctive nose piercings. The Brahmin community holds a significant place in Hindu society, serving as educators, lawmakers, scholars, and preachers of Dharma, occupying the highest position among the four varnas. The lady's piercings, located on the outside of her left nostril, are a testament to the deep-rooted cultural practices of India. In ancient India, piercings were not only considered a mark of beauty but also a symbol of social standing. The preferred location for nasal piercings, the left nostril, was believed to have medicinal benefits, as Ayurvedic medicine associates this area with the female reproductive organs. This belief may have contributed to the practice of piercing the left nostril to make childbirth easier. The lady's refined attire and serene expression further emphasize her status and class. Her piercings, along with her traditional jewelry and sari, are a visual representation of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of India. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, providing an insight into the lives of the Brahmin women and their unique practices that continue to be an integral part of Indian culture.
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