thumb|Contemporary Mangalsutra with black beads
A mangala sutra (), or tali (ISO: tāḷi), is a necklace worn by certain groups of married women from the Indian subcontinent. It is typically associated with Hindu weddings, during which a ceremony known as the may be conducted, upon which the mangalasutra is tied around the neck of the bride by the groom. Depending on regions and communities, its use is attested among some non-Hindus, though the rituals and beliefs attached to it may differ. Similarly, this necklace and its ceremonial use are not a systematic element of Hindu matrimonial traditions, being absent, at least historically, in several communities.
Mangalasutra literally means "an auspicious thread" that is knotted around the bride's neck and is worn by her for the remainder of her marriage. It is usually a necklace with black beads strung from a black or yellow thread prepared with turmeric. Sometimes gold, white or red beads are also added to the mangala sutra, depending on regional variation. The necklace serves as a visual marker of marital status.
The tying of the mangala sutra is a common practice in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The idea of sacred thread existed for centuries, even going back to the Sangam period. But the nature of these auspicious threads has evolved over time and varies widely according to various communities.
Names
The nuptial chain can take several names depending on languages, while its Sanskrit denomination, , remains the most widespread one:
- , or ,
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The root word Tali can also be mentioned, common among languages from Southern India and Ceylon Island:
In Southern India, the notion of tali ( in Telugu, or in Marathi) mainly designates the pendant mounted to the necklace, while mangala sutra or mangalyam refers to the necklace in its whole, respecting its initial meaning.
<gallery class="center" caption="The Mangalya Dharanam ceremony">
File:Reddy Thali.jpg|A mangala sutra before being tied around a bride's neck.
File:Mangalsutra.jpg|The sacred ceremony of tying the mangala sutra, in a North Indian wedding.
File:Tying the mangalsutra.png|Tying of the mangala sutra in a Telugu mixed marriage.
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History
The mangala sutra's origin dates back to the 4th century CE, referred to as the mangalya sutra in the Lalita Sahasranama, and the Purananuru, a Sangam text, mentions a sacred marriage tali upon Ay country women neck. It also finds a mention in the 6th century CE as a single yellow thread that was tied around the bride for protection from other men and evil spirits.
The concept of mangala sutra has evolved over centuries, and has become an integral part of marriages among several Indian communities. Historian of Indian jewellery, Usha Balakrishnan, explains that the mangala sutra had previously referred to a literal thread as opposed to an item of jewellery.
The significance of the mangala sutra is described by Adi Shankara in the Soundarya Lahari. According to Hindu tradition, the mangala sutra is worn for the long life of the husband. As told by religious customs and social expectations, married women should wear mangala sutra throughout their life as it is believed that the practice enhances the well-being of her husband. Bridal jewellery in ancient times also worked as a financial security against old age and widowhood, even though women did have property rights.
There are many communities in India among whom the mangala sutra seems to be absent, and other forms of marital tokens are traditional. For example, in large parts of North India, vermillion on hair parting (sindoor), toe rings (bichiya), and glass bangles indicate the marital status of a woman. Such necklaces were also used among Indian Jews of the Konkan (the Bene Israel) and of Cochin (both Malabaris and Paradesis). The practices associated with these mangala sutras may be similar to those observed in Hindu contexts, while differing in their ritual significance. The tying of the necklace by the groom and its wearing throughout married life constitute common features, though certain variations exist. The transmission of the ornament may occur between the mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law in some Muslim communities, or between the sister-in-law and the wife among Cochin Jews.