They are worn by brides, not widows and nuns. Their uninterrupted presence indicates continuity of Hindu ideas

Illustration/Devdutt Pattanaik

Indian history shapes Hindu myth and Hindu myth shapes Indian history. Here are a few examples of how this happened.

Harappan bangles made of shell; clay and metal have been found in disproportionately large numbers, as compared to contemporary civilisations of 2000 BC. Later archaeological sites, further east in Hastinapur, dated to 1000 BC, show a shift in pottery styles (from black-red to painted grey) but continuity of bangles, now made of glass. Women in Buddhist stupas and Tamil epics wear bangles. Bangles are sacred, not cosmetic. Even today, bangles are integral to household rituals performed by the lady of the house. They are worn by brides, not widows and nuns. Their uninterrupted presence indicates continuity of Hindu........

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