Tag Archives: historical costume

Costume Books

Posted on 17/08/2015 by Anu M

I have been reading a couple of books on Indian costumes and thought I would write a bit about two of them. Queen Subada, Detail from Shahnamah, Sultanate School, 1450. Costume Details: Phiran: of transparent material, form-fitting and ankle length, … Continue reading →

Posted in 1990s, 20th century, Accessories, Actor, Ancient India, antique, Art, Asia, Authors, Costume, Courtesan, Culture, Dancer, fashion, Hinduism, historical costume, historical dress, historical fashions, historical hairstyles, Illustration, indian art, Indian Dress, Indian History, Indian Illustrators, Indian Theatre, Indian Women, Jaina Literature, Jewellery, Medieval India, Sanskrit Drama, sari history, Theatre, Women | 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

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 Theatre Post – Mahabharata

Posted on 27/11/2012 by Anu M

In the evening of the last day of war Deep gloom is spread all around A desolate lane of Kaurava’s palace Only two guards on sentry duty.  The stylized costumes of Ebrahim Alkazi’s open air staging of Dharmavir Bharti’s Andha Yug (A Blind … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancient India, Epics, Sari Blouse, Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Historical Drama – Manthiri Kumari

Posted on 27/11/2012 by Anu M

The full Madras cinema treatment (i.e. also not very accurate) for a film adaptation (Manthiri Kumari) of the Tamil Buddhist classic, Kundalakesi. The attire includes a short embellished tunic (with a good degree of frills) and a jewelled belt for the leading lady. And … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancient India, Buddhism, Costume, Indian Cinema, Period Drama, Romance, Sari Blouse | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ancient Indian Costume

Posted on 24/11/2012 by Anu M

The main garment was the antariya of white cotton, linen or flowered muslin, sometimes embroidered in gold and precious stones. The antariya was secured at the waist by a sash or kayabandh, often tied in a looped knot at the center front of the waist. … Continue reading →

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Amrapali

Posted on 24/11/2012 by Anu M

Vyjayanthimala in the film on the life of Amrapali, the Licchavi courtesan who converted to Buddhism. Bhanu Athaiya (who also designed for Sahib, Bibi aur Ghulam and later won an Oscar for Gandhi) apparently based the costumes on Buddhist frescoes, though in the frescoes (as in the statues … Continue reading →

Posted in Ancient India, Buddhism, Costume, Indian Cinema, Old Bollywood, Period Drama, Sari Blouse | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment