Also called Kohl, Anjana, Surma
A dark preparation applied along the eyelids, traditionally made from lamp soot with ghee or oil.
Beyond adornment, kajal is traditionally protective — a mark against nazar, the evil eye. The same reasoning is why a small kajal dot is often placed on infants, usually behind the ear or on the cheek rather than the eye.
Traditional home-made kajal is soot-based and generally benign, but some commercial surma preparations have historically contained lead. Established cosmetic brands are the safer route, particularly for anything used on children.
Solah Shringar is a cultural tradition rather than a requirement — lists differ by region, and including or omitting any item is an ordinary family choice.