In Sanskrit books the following types and kinds of rings are mentioned:15
Dwi-hirak (double diamond).—Rings with a diamond on either side and a sapphire in the centre.
Vajra (diamond, thunderbolt).—A triangular finger ornament, with a diamond in the centre and other stones on the sides.
Ravvmandal.—A ring with diamonds on the sides and other stones in the middle.
Νandyavarrta.—A four-sided finger ornament studded with precious stones.
Nava-ratna or Navagraha.—A ring on which the nine most precious stones have been set. The nine precious stones in Sanskrit are called : Hirak, Nânikya, Baiduryya, Mukta, Gomed, Bidrum or Prabâl, Marakata, Pushpa-rag, and Indranil; or the Diamond, Ruby, Cat's-eye, Pearl, Zircon, Coral, Emerald, Topaz, and Sapphire.
Bajra-beshtak.—Ring of which the upper circumference is set with diamonds.
Trihirak (triple diamond).—Ring with two small diamonds on the sides and a big one in the centre.
Sukti-mtidrika.—Ring made like the hood of a cobra snake, with diamonds and precious stones on the upper surface.
Mudra or Anguli-mudra.—Ring with name engraved upon it.
These are some of the principal names for finger rings in modern India:
Angushtri.—A ring set with stones, called also Mundri or Anguthi.
Chhalla.—The chhalla is
a quite plain hoop or whole hoop ring (with or without stones), being
gold or silver, but the same all round. Worn also on the toes.
Angushtara or Angutha.—A big ring with a broad face, worn on the great toe.
Khari panjangla.—A set of finger rings of ordinary shape.
Shahalami or Khari.—A ring of long oval shape.
18 T. N. Mukharji, "Art Manufactures of India," Calcutta, 1888, pp. 105-107.
