Kundan
Kundan is a traditional form of Indian gemstone jewellery involving a gem set with gold foil between the stones and its mount, usually for elaborate necklaces. The method is believed to have originated in the royal courts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is the oldest form of jewellery made and worn in India. The word kundan means highly refined gold, and a highly refined and pure form of molten gold is used.
Kundan, also known as Bikaneri or Jaipuri jewellery, is a popular variation, wherein enameling with vivid colours and designs is on the reverse, while the kundan setting is in the front. The city of Jaipur in Rajasthan has traditionally been the centre for Kundan jewellery in India.
History
Kundan flourished under royal patronage during the Mughal era. Over the years, the Kundan jewellery of the courts was successfully copied in silver in Rajasthan, Bihar and the Punjab and became popular with the common man.
It remains an integral part of the traditional bridal wedding trousseau. Traditional settings, including the thappa and ras rawa, are experiencing a revival. Most recently, in the 2008 epic film, Jodhaa Akbar, the lead character portrayed by Aishwariya Rai was extensively shown wearing Kundan jewellery, highlighting its influence among Rajasthani royalty.
Kundan (1955 film)
Kundan is a 1955 Hindi social drama film produced and directed by Sohrab Modi for Minerva Movietone. The Screenplay was by Pandit Sudarshan with dialogues by Munshi Abdul Baqui and Pandit Sudarshan. Music was composed by Ghulam Mohammed with lyrics by Shakeel Badayuni.Nimmi's dual role in the film as mother and daughter was acclaimed critically, while Ulhas won a nomination in the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor category. The film co-starred Sohrab Modi, Sunil Dutt, Pran, Murad, Baby Naaz, Kumkum, Om Prakash and Manorama.
Based on Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, the film had Modi playing the role of a poverty-stricken young man who gets into trouble with the police for stealing a loaf of bread. Over the years he avoids a policeman who is on his trail even as he is trying to live an honest life.
