Silambu (
Tamil: சிலம்பு;
Malayalam: ചിലമ്പ്
/cil’əmpɨ̆/), or Gaggara (
Tulu: ಗಗ್ಗರ), is an
anklet worn and used in a variety of contexts on the Indian subcontinent.
According to Jeyaraj, the word 'silambu' is derived from the verb 'silambal', meaning 'to make sound'. [1]
The silambu is a hollow anklet filled with beads that produce noise when the wearer moves or dances. [2] It may be worn on the ankle or the leg. When worn on the leg, it is termed kālchilambu in Tamil. [3]
Some varieties of silambu are made of copper and use iron balls to produce sound. [4] Others are made of silver. [5]
Nautch performers wore silambu. [2] Kandyan dancers may wear silambu. [4]
Shiva in his dancing pose nataraja sometimes wears a silambu on his ankle.[ citation needed]
The epic Silappatikaram is structured around the character Kannaki's attempt to sell her silambu, and takes its title from the name of the anklet. [6] [7]
Silambu are sometimes placed on cows' legs during the Pongal festival. [8] In Tamil Nadu, a traditional dance called kai silambu aatam is performed in temples during Amman festivals in which the dancers wear or hold silambus in their hands, which make noise when shaken.[ citation needed]
Silambu is also used in ritual dance performances of southern India, such as the Theyyam of Malabar region and the Buta Kola of Tulu Nadu region.