Pallava period (Social and Cultural History)
by S. Krishnamurthy | 2017 | 143,765 words
This study examines the Social and Cultural History of the Pallava period (as gleaned through the Sculptural Art). The Pallavas (6th-9th century A.D.) mainly ruled over the Tondaimandalam (Tondai Nadu) region in the Northern part of Tamil Nadu (South-India). The Pallava dynasty ensured a golden age of architecture, arts, and spirituality and while ...
Head Ornaments (mastaka-bhushana) (Introduction)
In this period, two types of head ornament (mastaka-bhushana) can be seen among both men and women.
They are:
- Agrapatta or lalatapatta (Forehead band)
- Kesapatta (a band or cord used to bind the tuft of hair)
Indeed the diadem or the tiara (ardhamakuta) is also a type of forehead band, but with more rich in its flourishes and design. Whereas, the diadem mostly served the purpose of ornamentation only, a lalatapatta and kesapatta have both ornamental and functional purpose as it also helps in keeping the coiffure unruffled. Both the types of mastakabhushana are described below with suitable examples: