Punjabi Suit
The Punjabi suit, also known as the salwar kameez, is an outfit worn
primarily by Indian women but also by some men. The Punjabi suit became
popular around the time of the Mogul Empire, from 1500 to 1700
C.E.
, and has continued to be worn by modern Indians to the present day. The
Punjabi suit consists of a sleeved tunic-like
An Indian official wearing a plain Punjabi suit.
Reproduced by permission of
©
.
top that hangs to mid thigh and loose trousers that become narrow at the
ankle. A scarf, or dupatta, is often draped around the neck as an
accompaniment to the suit. Made of a variety of light fabrics, such as
cotton and silk, the Punjabi suit can be plain but is more often decorated
with printed fabric or embroidery. The decorations found on the garment
are highly symbolic, often designed to guard against evil spirits that
might harm the wearer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Goswamy, B. N., and Kalyan Krishna.
Indian Costume in the Collection of the Calico Museum of Textiles.
Ahmedabad, India: D. S. Mehta, 1993.
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