Category Archives: 19th century

Classical Drape

Posted on 17/02/2013 by Anu M

Post Alexander’s North Indian excursion, there were a number of Hellenic influences in that part of India.  It is hard to say how much the Greeks influenced the precursor of the sari (Greek garments at the time included the peplos and chiton) but thedepiction of … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, Colonial, Paintings, Sari, Victorian, Vintage, Vintage Dress | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On Indian Men

Posted on 09/02/2013 by Anu M

  A break from the usual – some random posts on the attire adopted by Indian men.

Posted in 19th century, 20th century, British Raj, Colonial, Indian History, Indian men, Islamic Dress | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Down South

Posted on 19/01/2013 by Anu M

A brief photoessay on the fashions prevalent in the south of India. And a bit on the practice of kolam/rangoli.

Posted in 1950s, 1960s, 19th century, Sari, Sari Blouse, South India, Vintage, Vintage Blouse | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Bhopal Post

Posted on 12/01/2013 by Anu M

    Between 1819 and 1926, Bhopal was ruled by an unbroken line of 4 women, the Nawab Begums of Bhopal. Bhopal had a distinctive culture with Turkish, Persian and Northern Indian Islamic influences.  Bhopali dress consisted of a Turkish-style long … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, 20th century, Islamic Dress, Royalty, Vintage Dress, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Birds Post-2

Posted on 03/01/2013 by Anu M

  Courtesan, possibly late 19th century.  Accessories: A Bird. And Attitude. The ensemble is a loose style of salwar-kameez with what looks like a short kameez/tunic.  Up close she has interesting shoes with bow ties. And anklets. And a substantial … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s, 1950s, 19th century, Birds, Vintage Dress, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Ceylon Post

Posted on 10/12/2012 by Anu M

I must confess that all I knew of the Sri Lankan sari was that it was “a variant of the Indian sari”.  It turns out that this is not entirely true. Sri Lanka has a rich and varied sartorial history … Continue reading →

Posted in 1890s, 1900s, 1910s, 19th century, Photography, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Late Mughal Period Costumes

Posted on 27/11/2012 by Anu M

Woman’s Court Costume: Silk with gold and silver braid and pompoms. Lucknow, C.1830-40.  This extravagant costume would have been worn by a dancer or noblewoman at the flamboyant Lucknow Court, although the fashion for exaggeratedly wide trousers like these worn … Continue reading →

Posted in 1800s, 19th century, Costume, Vintage | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Princess Post

Posted on 27/09/2012 by Anu M

Princess Victoria Gowramma’s story, the subject of a recent biography, is a somewhat sad one of a girl caught up in the politics of empire. There are a few parallels with the Pocahontas story – the conversion to Christianity, the inter-racial marriage, travel … Continue reading →

Posted in 1850s, 19th century, Colonial, Royalty, Sari, Sari Blouse, South India | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Extract from Suniti Devi’s autobiography

Posted on 25/09/2012 by Anu M

No doubt sari dinners should come back in vogue:)

Posted in 1880s, 19th century, Sari, Vintage | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Royals Post

Posted on 25/09/2012 by Anu M

  For more than half of the 20th century, Europe was a playground for Indian royalty.  And its women were photographed by Cecil Beaton and Man Ray, snubbed Wallis Simpson, made it to the NYT’s society pages and of course set fashion trends. Of all the royals, … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, India, Royalty, Sari Blouse, Vintage Blouse, Vintage Dress | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment