Jadanagam
The jewelled ornament fitted along a South Indian bride's or dancer's plait.
Also: jadai billai, choti ornament, braid jewellery
A jadanagam, also called jadai billai, is a set of jewelled pieces fixed along the length of a long plait, from the bun or crown down to the end, often finished with tassels called kunjalam. It is part of South Indian bridal dress and of the costume of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancers, for whom a long plait is often lengthened with a hairpiece. Gold sets are heirlooms; dancers often use lighter temple-style pieces.