Kaṛā
/ˈkəɽɑː/noun
A rigid metal bracelet, especially the steel bangle traditionally worn by Sikhs as one of the five articles of faith.
Did you know?The Sikh kaṛā is traditionally made of iron or steel and represents restraint, moral action, and remembrance of divine unity; its circular form has no beginning or end.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
kaṭaka
“Bracelet, armlet, or ring worn on the arm”
Middle Indo-Aryan
Prakrit
kaḍaya / kaḍa
“A bracelet or circular ornament”
Medieval Indo-Aryan
Punjabi
kaṛā
“A solid bracelet or bangle”
15th–16th Century
Punjabi
ਕੜਾ (kaṛā)
“An iron or steel bracelet associated with Sikh practice”
Modern English
English
kara / kaṛā
“A Sikh steel bracelet, commonly worn as one of the five Ks”