jewels of the peacock
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Kanda Phool Toe Rings, late 19th Century
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'Kanda Phool' or Onion flower toe rings were worn in certain parts of Maharastra
by married women declaring their marital status.
The social rules that prevailed demanded that a man keep his eyes down in the presence of a woman as a mark of respect
and not look above her feet, lest the look be misread as boldness.
If no toerings were seen by the man, then he was permitted to look up.
Different regions have different types of toerings and a large array are found withing Mahrashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
This particular set is unique and extremely rare, perhaps one of the few left by posterity.
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