Category Archives: Ancient India

The Spiritual Post

Posted on 05/01/2014 by Anu M

The word spiritual is a rather loose rubric for this post which encompasses women philosophers, traditions of mysticism and wandering minstrels. None of these is entirely exclusive of the other yet they are different ways of pursuing knowledge or the … Continue reading →

Posted in 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, Ancient India, Culture, Early 20th Century, Hinduism, History, Indian Cinema, Indian Dress, Indian Singers, Indian Women, Late 19th century, Medieval India, miniature paintings, Paintings, vintage art | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Veil Post

Posted on 13/12/2013 by Anu M

VEIL: avagunthana, niririgi, nirangika, mukhapata, sirovastra, yavanika. Veiling is mentioned in Ancient Indian texts by any of the above names, a primary source being Kalidas who mentions the avagunthana in several places.  However, the practice does not appear to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancient India, Asia, Costume, Culture, historical costume, History, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Indian History, Indian Women, Islamic Dress | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Tamil Historical Post

Posted on 25/10/2013 by Anu M

The illustrations for Tamil periodicals have a long history and some illustrators are nearly as well known as the writers. A number of serialised stories are historical romances (think Chola empire, Pallavas) and the drawings are fairly vivid in recreating an era, albeit … Continue reading →

Posted in 20th century, Ancient India, Costume, Early 20th Century, fashion, Hair, History, Illustration, India, Indian Cinema, Indian Dress, Indian fashion, Indian History, Indian men, Indian Women, Jewellery, Love, Novels, Period Drama, Romance, Royalty, Sari, Sari Blouse, Tamil, Tamil Cinema, Vintage, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Weekend

Posted on 12/10/2013 by Anu M

I do not know what you think of me, but I think you are the most wonderful man on earth. Shakuntala*, Amar Chitra Katha. Its the weekend. Wear your best kanchuki (bodice). Shower some love on the pet deer. And write a … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancient India, Comics, Costume, Illustration, Indian Dress, Mythology, Romance, Sanskrit Drama, Sari, Women | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Epic Post

Posted on 16/08/2013 by Anu M

One of the central and much discussed events of the Mahabharata involves the sari – the loss of Draupadi in a game of dice and her disrobing in the royal assembly. Draupadi is in seclusion, her single garment stained with … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancient India, Asia, Cinema, Costume, Culture, Epics, Hinduism, History, Indian Dress, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tumblr 2

Posted on 20/07/2013 by Anu M

The ancient style of antariya and utariya to the sari in the 1930s. Blouse Styles in the 1940s.

Posted in 1930s, Ancient India, Illustration, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Vintage Blouse, Vintage Dress, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Hair Post

Posted on 27/06/2013 by Anu M

Simple Braids, Updos and flowers in her hair. All at tumblr.  

Posted in 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 20th century, Ancient India, Early 20th Century, fashion, Flowers, Hair, Tumblr | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Ancient India Post

Posted on 24/05/2013 by Anu M

Rather just a look at 2 early 20th century paintings recreating the era. From dawn until late into the night I worked. By day I copied the parts of the wall that were well lit, and by night I shifted on to … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancient India, Art, Bengal, Colonial, Costume, Courtesan, Culture, Dance, Dancer, Early 20th Century, fashion, Indian Dress, Paintings, Vintage, Vintage Dress, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Tilaka Post

Posted on 28/03/2013 by Anu M

On the tilaka/bindi/the red dot. I wish I had proper referencing for this but it is a bit difficult since there are stray lines here and there in texts which discuss costume on the whole or the odd artwork and nothing substantive. … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancient India, Culture, Hinduism, India, Vintage, Women | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Music Post

Posted on 26/02/2013 by Anu M

Women and Stringed Instruments: a) Temple Sculpture (anklets!) b) Kalighat Painting (the women always have anklets and pointy shoes) c) Mid 19th century portrait (the attire appears late Mughal) d) Raja Ravi Varma’s woman playing sitar (love the casually discarded footwear detail, the sari is the … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s, 1950s, 19th century, Ancient India, fashion, Indian Dress, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Vintage Dress | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments