Sari - Traditional Wear of Indian Women

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

The climate of a country plays a vital role at least in the nature and mode of wearing costume. But the nature and mode of wearing clothes are governed not only by the climate, but also by the natural resources available in_ that particular country.

The present work is intended to give an account of the "Traditional wear of Indian women", ‘Sari’ as far as possible. But the history of Indian costume is laconic. There are long periods for which next to nothing is known in the realm of costume. The contribution of the costume of the Indus valley civilization is very little, but information is slowly gathered. In the matter. of the costume draped, dress was known but the tailored dress is known from the period particularly the Kusdnas and the Sakas.

These people came with a new type of dress. Some elements of which were incorporated in the national costume of some classes and have remained an integral part of Indian dress.

Saris are much’ more practical than we think especially since they can be so easily modified. Draping is an art. Yet now only a few old women know how to do draping in a traditional way; of course, tradition is a relative term, a process of assimilation, adaptation and exchange rather than a constant unchanging reference point in the past. Modern drape (modern style) is now worn by most Indian women.

To a large extent Saris are also the expression of women’s creativity and could inspire anyone. I should say that drapes have many advantages over stitched clothes, especially when beauty is an important value. Saris are much more practical than we think especially since they can be so easily modified. Draping is an art. Yet now only a few old women know how to do draping in a traditional way; of course, tradition is a relative term, a process of assimilation, adaptation and exchange rather than a constant unchanging reference point in the past. Modern drape (modern style) is now worn by most Indian Women. Few even bother to learn from their grandmothers how to attire themselves traditionally. Draping is a part of the world’s heritage, which might very well be lost forever, if we give up our traditional garment for western clothes. Of all the arts that have flourished in India, one of the least known and studied art is that of draping. This is the more extraordinary because it is a unique art which offers special insights into the ethnology and the archaeology of India, during the periods in which it developed. At its heart is Hinduism, whose preference for unstitched clothing for both religious and social reasons fostered the growth and development of the Sari. Knowledge of sewn garments was known since vedic times. But it is very surprising that the Indian culture developed the act of wrapping a piece of cloth around the body that surpassed the people of different parts of the world, because they were under the impression that the Sari (traditional wear of Indian Women) is difficult to sew for the tailors.

I am regretfully aware of the fact that inspite of best care a few mistakes of Proof reading and diacritical marks crept into this work. I crave the indulgence of the scholars for these lapses.

Except poet Rajashekar, the Sanskrit literature has never described the draping of Sari. He has given hints for three to four styles, the women of different provinces drape their saris in a special way, using a piece of cloth from 3 meters to 9 meters long.

**Contents and Sample Pages**