The “Sutarla” Magic

Sutarlas are bangles also known as kadas, that were earlier found in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Northern Maharashtra in the 18^th & 19^th century. Traditional Sutarla bangles are popular for their unique craftmanship. They look like a rope, bend completely like a snake when opened and are very sturdy when worn. These bangles never went out of fashion and are still worn and adored by women all over India today.

These kadas are also called Gold Marathi or Sankla bracelets and these too are completely flexible, comprising of a series of multiple ingeniously entwined links. Each link is either left with a polished surface, decorated with kundan set flat cut diamond, emeralds, rubies in the earlier times. However, sometimes now these are also found encrusted with diamonds. These bracelets all have a screw clasp and are openable so can be made to fit anyone’s hand perfectly.

In olden days, these were also worn as anklets. In those times, if they were made from gold they indicated that the wearer is a privileged person and silver were worn by the rural class. A single anklet dastband almas in gold was awarded by a ruler as princely recognition in a custom known as ta’zim and was worn on the right ankle.

They depict pure magnificence, craftmanship and beauty. No matter how many designs, varitions of kadas are made today, none match up to the infamous Sutarla with their tribal twist and centuries years of sustenance.