What Is a Molathadu? Silver Waist Chain for Babies, Kids and Men
A molathadu is a thin waist chain or thread worn at the waist. It is traditionally tied on babies in the early months in South India. The name is Telugu; the same ornament is called araignan kodi or araignan kayiru in Tamil and aranjanam in Malayalam. It is worn in thread or in 925 silver, and many men also wear one through adult life.
What a molathadu is and how it is worn
A molathadu is a fine chain or thread worn around the waist. It is a traditional ornament in parts of South India, and it comes in two forms: a plain thread or cord, and a metal chain. Both are worn at the same place on the body. anokhi makes the silver version only.
| Thread molathadu | A plain cord or thread tied at the waist. It is the traditional material. |
| Silver molathadu | A thin chain of 925 sterling silver with a screw clasp, worn in the same place as the thread. |
| Who wears it | Babies in the early months, and many men through adult life. The men's version is commonly sold as an aranjanam. |
Names across Indian languages
The same waist chain has a different name in each language. These are the names to search for:
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| Telugu | molathadu |
| Tamil | araignan kodi / araignan kayiru |
| Malayalam | aranjanam |
| Kannada | udidhara |
| Hindi | kardhani / kamar dhaga |
| English | baby waist chain, waist chain |
If you searched for molathadu in Tamil, the Tamil names are araignan kodi and araignan kayiru. The ornament is the same in every language; only the word changes.
How to choose a baby's molathadu size
Measure the waist before you buy, then choose the size that fits with a little room to spare. A soft tailor's tape is easiest; a thin string and a ruler also work.
- 1Measure where it will sit
Measure around the baby's waist, where the chain will rest. Keep the tape snug, not tight.
- 2Write the figure in inches
Note the number in inches. Most tailor's tapes are marked in both inches and centimetres.
- 3Add room for two fingers
Leave room for two fingers to slide under the chain. This stops the chain from sitting tight against the skin.
- 4Pick the closest size
Choose the size closest to that figure. If the number falls between two sizes, take the larger one.
| Baby molathadu | 16, 18 or 20 inch chain with a screw clasp |
| Kids waist chain | 20, 22 or 24 inch chain with a growth extender |
| Men's aranjanam | Adjustable from 32 to 38 inches, with a screw clasp |
Safety checks for babies and children
A molathadu on a baby should be checked with the same care as any baby jewellery. These are the checks to make each time:
- 1Rounded links
Choose smooth, rounded links with no sharp edges. Run a finger along the chain before you fasten it.
- 2Screw clasp
Use a chain with a screw clasp, and check it is fully closed each time you put it on.
- 3An adult in view
Fasten it or let the baby wear it only while an adult can see the baby.
- 4Check the fit every few months
Babies grow quickly, so check the fit every few months.
- 5Move up, do not stretch
When the chain becomes snug, move up a size rather than stretching the chain or pulling the clasp.
Stop wearing it and check the chain if a link is bent, the clasp does not close, or the chain is frayed.
Caring for a silver molathadu
Silver tarnishes when it meets air, moisture and skin oils. Simple habits slow this down:
- 1Remove it for bathing
Take the chain off for bathing where possible, so it does not stay wet.
- 2Dry it fully
Dry the chain completely with a soft cloth before you put it away.
- 3Store it dry
Keep it in a dry box or pouch, not in a damp bathroom. Store it flat rather than coiled.
- 4Clean gently
Wipe with a soft, dry cloth. For tarnish, follow the anti-tarnish care guide on anokhi.
Frequently asked
Last reviewed: 17 May 2026 · Verified by the anokhi expert panel
What is a molathadu?
A molathadu is a thin waist chain or thread worn at the waist. It is traditionally tied on babies in the early months in South India, and many men wear a version through adult life, often called an aranjanam. anokhi makes the silver version in certified 925 sterling silver.
What is molathadu called in Tamil?
In Tamil it is called araignan kodi or araignan kayiru. Molathadu is the Telugu name and aranjanam is the Malayalam name. The ornament is the same in each language.
What size molathadu should I buy for a baby?
Measure the baby's waist, add room for two fingers to slide under the chain, and choose the closest size. anokhi's baby molathadu comes in 16, 18 and 20 inches. If the number falls between two sizes, take the larger one.
Is a silver molathadu safe for a baby?
Check that the chain has smooth, rounded links and a screw clasp that is fully closed. Fasten it only while an adult can see the baby, and check the fit every few months. Move up a size rather than stretching the chain, and stop using it if a link is bent.
Can men wear a molathadu?
Yes. Many men wear a waist chain through adult life, and in Malayalam it is commonly called an aranjanam. anokhi's men's version is 925 sterling silver, adjustable from 32 to 38 inches, with a screw clasp.
Is a molathadu thread or silver?
It can be either. The traditional form is a plain thread or cord, and the metal form is a thin silver chain worn in the same place. anokhi makes only the silver version, so every molathadu it sells is 925 sterling silver.
How do I clean a silver molathadu?
Remove it for bathing where possible, dry it fully with a soft cloth, and store it in a dry box or pouch. For tarnish, wipe with a soft dry cloth first and follow the anti-tarnish care guide on anokhi.
Reviewed by the anokhi silver desk
Written and reviewed by anokhi's in-house silversmiths. Every piece we make is 925 sterling silver, BIS hallmarked and handcrafted in Jaipur. Last updated 11 October 2026.