Kamarband, kardhani, vaddanam or waist chain?

Jewellery worn at the waist has a long history across India, and almost every region has its own word for it. You will hear kamarband, kardhani, vaddanam and waist chain used for pieces that look quite different. Here is what each name usually means.

Kamarband

From the Persian and Urdu kamar, waist, and band, band. It is the name most widely used in North India for a waist ornament, from a slim chain to a broader decorated band. It is worn at the natural waist, most often over a saree or a lehenga.

Kardhani

A Hindi word for the same ornament, closely related to the Sanskrit for waist. A kardhani is often lighter than a ceremonial belt, made of one or several fine chains, sometimes with small hanging drops. Our name, Kardhini, comes from this word.

Vaddanam

The Telugu name for the broad, structured waist belt of South Indian bridal jewellery, known in Tamil as oddiyanam. A vaddanam is usually wide and rigid, with a decorated centre, and is worn firmly over a silk saree to hold the drape in place.

Waist chain

The English term, and the broadest of the four. It covers anything from a single delicate strand to a layered chain, and is the word most people search for when they want a lighter piece for everyday or festive wear.

So which one is a Kardhini piece?

Our pieces sit closest to the kamarband and kardhani: fine, flexible and comfortable enough to wear for hours. Each one is free size and fits a waist from 28 to 38 inches, at the natural waist over a saree or lower on the hip with a lehenga.