Category Archives: Indian Dress

The Dress Reform in Bengal Post

On top of that, the kind of fine [clothing] material they wear is not fit to go out in society, and when the material becomes wet and clings to the body, then there is no difference between being naked and … Continue reading

Posted in 19th century, Bengal, British Raj, Colonial, Dress Reform, Indian Dress, Indian Women, Sari, Sari Blouse, Victorian, Vintage, Vintage Blouse | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Ancient India Post

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

Ashapurna Devi

In her trilogy, Pratham Pratisruti, Subarnalata, and Bakul Katha, Ashapurna Devi traces the progression of the feminist movement from colonial to post- colonial India. Anita Ghosh in Feminism In Indian Writings In English,  edited by Amar Nath Prasad. Covers of Ashapurna Devi’s books (click to see larger … Continue reading

Posted in Authors, Bengal, Colonial, Early 20th Century, Feminism, Indian Dress, Novels, Sari Blouse | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bits n Pieces

William Gedney in Benares. Zohra is 101. Early 19th century attire for young Bengali gentlemen – (X), (X) Ornaments for the hair and arm. Ornaments : 1st century AD to the 19th century.

Posted in 19th century, 20th century, India, Indian Dress, Indian men, Jewellery, Women | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Nine Yard Sari

I did a couple of posts on the nine yard sari.  Almost impossible to trace a cohesive history with my limited research. But that does not mean one can’t appreciate the style as is! A bit on the nine yard … Continue reading

Posted in 19th century, Art, Colonial, Culture, Early 20th Century, fashion, Indian Dress, Paintings, Sari, Sari Blouse, Vintage, Women | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Music Post

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