Clothing Style in Western India during Mughal Period

Author(s): Farha Shakeel

Abstract:

This paper examines the clothing styles of Western India during the Mughal period, focusing on the significant transformations brought about by the establishment of Mughal rule and its cultural integration with regional traditions. The study highlights the influence of Persian, Hindu, and Rajput attire, particularly under the reign of Akbar, whose reforms blended Indian and Persian fashions. The paper explores various sources, including traveler accounts, paintings, and literary references, to analyze the diversity of garments worn by different social classes. Key elements of the clothing styles, such as the jama, choga, and turbans, are discussed in relation to their social and cultural symbolism. Additionally, the paper investigates the materials used in attire, such as silk, muslin, and zarbaft, reflecting the craftsmanship and opulence of the time. Women's clothing, including shalwar, choli, and lehenga, is explored in the context of both Muslim and Hindu noble attire, highlighting the role of ornamentation and head coverings in signifying status and identity. Overall, the clothing practices in Western India during the Mughal period reveal a fusion of cultural influences, showcasing the social hierarchy and the evolving urban fashion of the time.

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Pages: 126-129     |    2 View     |    0 Download