Indian fashion history consists of so much culture,
heritage, elegance, authenticity, and vibrance. On the global level, fashion came
into existence in 1826 by Charles Frederick. According to sources, the fashion originated
in Paris to some extent in London. But if we talk about the invention of
fashion in India you will be amazed to know that fashion in India was started
in the Mauryan period that is, 322 to 185 BC where the earliest evidence available is the “Statue of
Mother goddess” from Mathura.
Let’s discuss
the fashion scenarios through the ages:
Ancient
civilization:
The historical
shreds of evidence prove that fashion in India was initiated just after the discovery
of cotton in the country. Civilizations like the Indus valley and the Harrapan
indicated the use of cotton fabric and all of the evidence is obtained in the
excavations. The kings at that time usually wore turbans and jewelry too. The women’s
clothing included knee-length skirts with bangles and beaded accessories.
Vedic
era:
During the Vedic
period, the styling of outfits was done using a single piece of cloth that was wrapped
around the whole body and draped over the shoulder. The initial attire of Vedic
men was ‘Dhotis’ and for women, it was ‘Sari’.
Post-Vedic
era:
The
post-Vedic period is also considered the time of dynasties in India which
included the Mauryas, Sungas, Guptas, and Kushans. Clothing was much evolved
during this period and a variety of fabrics like cotton, silk, wool, jute, etc.
were introduced. Antariya (lower body garment) and Kayabandh (belts) were also
introduced. Fine embroidery and dyeing of textiles also came into existence.
Mughal
period:
Mughals took
over the same fashion strategy from the Dynasties and advanced it in a way that
made it look fresh and original. Not only the clothing part but the
architecture too was fascinated by the craftsmanship in the Mughal period. Men
wore long and short robes known as ‘Chogas’ and the emergence of pajama was started.
Women opted for the fashion of Persia due to the parda system. When a Rajput
princess entered in Mughal kingdom the influence of Hindu clothing started
which resulted in the development of women’s clothing.
British
period:
The British
era resulted in the major advancement of women’s clothing where they shifted
from ethnic to skirts and trousers. The introduction of long collars, two-piece
suits, and pinched waists gave an update to men’s clothing.
The 90’s
magic:
The most
stylish era of fashion in India was the 90s. The advent of disco fashion and the
introduction of shimmery and glittery costumes gave an alteration to the fashion
industry. Men’s fashion witnessed denim and leather jackets whereas women’s
fashion encountered floral dresses, long skirts, and dungarees.
The
21st century:
The current
era has given the Indian fashion industry a tag of cosmopolitan rather than region-based.
The trend of shorts, pants, and bold outfits in women’s style gave people a
broader perspective of idealizing fashion and diminishing narrow mindsets.
Which one’s
your favorite era? Tell me in the comments.
