Bhikbali

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A man wearing a bhikbali

Bhikbali(Marathi: भिगबाळी) is an ear ornament worn by men. It can be termed as an earring that scholarly Brahmins used to wear in the right ear during the Peshwa era and within the Maratha Empire centered in Pune. In today's time, men can be scarcely seen wearing it, although its popularity has dropped in post-independence India, it is becoming popular with the youth. It signifies rank and status in society, since it was largely worn by the clergy in the era of Peshwai. It is a mark of the men of the Konkanastha Chitpavan Brahmin Community, although it is worn by Deshasthas, CKPs and Maharashtrian Brahmins. It is no longer true that every man wearing a bhikbali belongs to Pune, since once the bhikbali was only given as a mark of honour during Peshwai and not worn by choice. Dhangar and Kunbi men have also been noted to wear bhikbalis.

Etymology

Bhikbali is a portmanteau of two words, Bhik- and -bali. Bali simply means a round object to be worn in the ear, while bhik- comes from the word bhikshuk which means someone who lives on alms, i.e. a Brahmin. Hence the meaning of the word becomes a bhikshuk's bali (a bhikshuk's earring). Another idea is 'bhik-' stands for bhiksha or alms, and the bali used to be made from the money received in alms, hence the name.

Structure

The Bhikbali is a wire of gold. One of the ends is free, which will be put through the other end, which is a loop. The free end is coiled over the loop to secure the bali during the piercing. The piercing is done in the helix. It is embellished with pearls and stones, with typically stones set between two pearls. Stones of various colors are used, including red and green, which are artificial replacements for the ruby and emeralds respectively.[1]

Association with Peshwai

In the era of Peshwai, Bhikbali was presented to the worthy, who were credible enough to possess and wear it. Especially after a show of valour in battle or felicitating someone, bhikbali was presented. The ornament is the core element of the famous story involving Pantnyayadhish Ramshastri Prabhune.

Ramshastri Prabhune was made to join the household of a Sawkar surnamed Anabal, in Satara. His work was to pour water over the Sawkar's feet. One such time while pouring water, the little Ram noticed the bhikbali and lost his concentration while pouring water. This enraged the Saukar, who asked why he was not pouring the water properly. Ram then said that he was bewildered by the bhikbali. The sawkar said "Ramya, even if you pour water over my feet all your life, you will not be able to possess a bhikbali." This was a moment of realization for Ram. He immediately leaves Pune for Kashi and studies Vedas and Dharmashastras and returned as Ramshastri, shastri being an honorific for someone who was studied and earned authority in the shastras. He returns to Pune. His talent was recognized by Nanasaheb Peshwe in 1751 and he becomes Mukhya Nyayadhish/Sarnyayadhish/Pantnyayadhish of the Maratha Empire in 1759. He earns the bhikbali, just like his father once had.

In other history

In the book "Smruti Chitre" by Lakshmibai Tilak, it is mentioned that Lakshmibai gave away her nath (Marathi; for nose ring worn by Indian women) for a bhikbali to be made for her husband Narayan Waman Tilak. He was a close relative of Lokmanya Tilak.

Modern Outlook

Nowadays, bhikbalis of gold and silver and even artificial ones are made by various jeweler brands in India, especially Maharashtra. A new type of bhikbali has emerged, which does not need a piercing to be worn. It can simply be clipped over the ear and removed at convenience.

The youth can be seen wearing bhikbalis, for various reasons including showing heritage, showing background, or even just as a trend.

References

This article "Bhikbali" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Bhikbali. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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