Bathed in grandeur and old-world charm, the state of Rajasthan, along with its people, is known to be extremely hospitable and is famous for its unbeatable codes of chivalry. Every Indian state identifies with a distinct culture and deep-rooted traditions, among which Rajasthan has a reputation for having the most vibrant &.rich legacy. Formerly known as Rajputana, which means the country of the Rajputs, its majestic forts stand tall to date and never fail to amaze people around the world. Traditional clothes of Rajasthan and Gujarat are a result of its craft practices which majorly comprise various block printing techniques and patterns, tie & dye or Bandhej, and traditional embroideries. The radiant nature of the state is brought to the forefront through heavily embroidered and colourful, traditional dress of women and men.

Maharashtra

Known for its rich cultural heritage, Maharashtra has seen generations of rulers, colonies, and various communities. The arts and craft, music, food, and clothing make Maharashtra a grand state in its size and culture. Maharashtra and Goa are both states located on the southwestern coast of India, and they are known for their beautiful beaches, vibrant cultures, and delicious cuisines. To understand the diversity possessed by the state, one needs to understand the significance of geographical, climatic, social and occupational conditions that have greatly impacted the Maharashtrian culture and traditions. As a reflection of these, the Maharashtrian traditional wear clothing attire has also been modified.

Punjab

From art to music, philosophy to poetry, the rich culture and history of Punjab are in a league of their own. While the legacy of Punjabi cuisines has traversed the world, the traditional clothing of the native Punjabi people serves as an inspiration to many designers of India. The splendour of Punjab is celebrated even outside of its geographical boundaries. The landscape of the lush green field has made into iconic montages of Bollywood movies, the action-packed dance forms and the spiritual splendour of the state showcase the influential flavours of its heritage. Punjab is renowned for its folk embroidery called Phulkari which was traditionally practised by grandmothers and mothers of a girl child beginning upon her birth. The term Phul can be translated as flowers, while Kaari means shape. The embroidery form has evolved in many forms and has also been adapted by Indian designers to pay homage to the time-honed craftsmanship. Lets get familiar with traditional clothes of Punjab for men and women.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh holds stories of rich heritage and traditions. Thanks to the various dynasties that ruled over this region, Andhra is now blessed with a great conglomeration of cultures. Nestled in the south of the Indian subcontinent, bordered by the states of Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, lies the richly-cultural Andhra Pradesh. The agronomical state is also known as The Rice Bowl of India. The Arts and Crafts of Andhra do justice to the various empires that ruled the place. Arts like Kalamkari, Gadwal, Venkatagiri, etc., find their home in Andhra.

Gujarat

Located in the western lands of India, bordered by Pakistan, stands the glorious state of Gujarat. Also known as the land of the Gurjans, Gujarat is a burst of colours, prints, embroideries and craftsmanship. Acclaimed for its Chaniya Cholis, that’s not all Gujarat has to offer! From a wide range of embroideries to different handloom weaving techniques, entire communities practice block printing to intricate works of tie and dye, with all of this finding its roots in the state. The rich range of textiles owes to the people of different communities, castes, tribes and regions of the state, who kept the age-old traditions alive.

Arunachal Pradesh

Overflowing with vibrant colours and ethnological richness, Arunachal Pradesh is a culturally and ecologically diverse state. Its name literally translates to- the land of the rising sun or, the land of the dawn-lit mountains, which is a reference to the fact that the sun rises here first, before any other place. Arunachal Pradesh is home to many tribes and ethnic groups who have developed many skills over the years — from fishing and hunting to embroidery and creating other traditional handicrafts. The people continue to honour tradition, as they pass their skillset from one generation to the next, ensuring that they remain true to their culture. Arunachal Pradesh’s clothing and fashion style remains static and unaffected by the modern world and its dynamic trends. However, due to the geographical location, their styles are heavily inspired by Tibet and Bhutan.

Chhattisgarh

Located in central India and formerly a part of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh is now the ninth largest state in the country. The state has more history than what meets the eye, and much of this history is mythological in nature. The ancient name of Chhattisgarh was Dakshin Kosala (Dakshin meaning south). The significance of this name is related to “Ramayana”, as it is named after Lord Rama’s mother- Kaushalya. A very important industry that has always been a part of Chhattisgarh’s culture and economy, even after its division, is its textile industry. Especially the Baster district- the gold pot of the region’s indigenous arts and crafts. The people of Kanker, Baster and Dantewada are all essentially tribal people and pioneers of unique craftsmanship.

Bihar

Known as the land of Buddha, Bihar is a culturally rich state predominantly influenced by religions, particularly Hinduism and its mythology. Diverse in its true essence, the state is vibrant, fascinating, and unreserved. Bihar’s culture has been impacted by famous epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata and its neighbouring states, which consist of Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. Traditional clothing of the state is not divided as per the variety of cultures but remains synonymous amongst all religions that have made Bihar their home.

Goa

On the west coast of India, amidst mountains and beaches, lies the beautiful island we call Goa. It is the smallest state in India, officially established in 1987, but Goa’s rich history goes centuries back. As a result of the long Portuguese rule, the Goan culture has enriched many folds over the years; it is a beautiful unison of Indian and Portuguese culture. The arts and crafts of the region are exquisite, among which pottery & terracotta, and bamboo handicrafts are famous. Most of the population is Christian, and Western culture's influence is further noticeable in the residential and religious architecture.

Himachal Pradesh

Similar to other Indian states, Himachal Pradesh is home to several religions, cultures, and languages and is located in Northern India. People living in Himachal Pradesh prefer to wear clothing made from wool to better protect themselves from the climate. However, there are some items that are specific to the native Pahari tribes like the Kinnaur, Dasas, Kangra, Lahauli, Kirata, Khampa, Chamba, Pishacha, Munda, Gaddi, and etc.

Karnataka

Originally known as Mysore, the state was renamed Karnataka in 1973. Located in the country's south-western region, the state is famous due to attractions like the Murdeshwar and Virupaksha Temple, Mysore Palace, Malpe Beach, Pattadakal, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna Beach, and many more. It is bordered by the four southern-Indian sister states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and others like Goa and Maharashtra. Karnataka was assumed to have been deeply connected with the Indus Valley Civilization. Most of the state was created under the Nanda Empire before Ashoka’s Mauryan Empire took over. Subsequently, native Kannada empires like the Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakuta, and Western Chalukya also ruled over the state. Like any other state, Karnataka has a rich and diverse culture. It is unmistakably beautiful and beholds a glorious splendour that people all over the world admire deeply. Languages like Konkani, Byari, Tulu, Urdu, Kannada, and Kodava are spoken there, making it multilingual and distinctive from other states.

Kerala

Located on the southwestern tip of the Indian subcontinent, Kerala is a state that lies between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. With its importance in foreign trade and historically significant culture and traditions, the state is a hub of religion, art, and literature. It is neighboured by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and is renowned for its mainly tropical climate. Kerala’s lush green forests, flourishing backwaters, and sacred temples are responsible for the booming tourism in the state. The state government has also labelled it as ‘God’s Own Country’ in an effort to attract more tourists. Considering its position in the global spice market, especially with the superior variety and quality of spices, Kerala was also reputed as the ‘land of spices’. Teeming with colour and flavour, this state has a lot to offer even as a multi-lingual, diverse, communal land.

Tamil Nadu

An ancient land home to the tallest temples in the world and the richest silks, Tamil Nadu, deserves every bit of your attention and fascination. Tamil Nadu, occupying the southern part of India, is the tenth largest state in the country with a fascinating past. The history of this state can be traced back to the reigns of the Cholas and Pandyas, around the third century BCE. Eventually, after the fall of the Mysore Kingdom, Tamil Nadu became one of the first British colonisation in India. Formerly a part of the Madras Presidency, Tamil Nadu is a land of abundant history and culture that gave birth to the oldest classical language of India- Tamil. Home to world-renowned temples with staggering heights and inexplicable structures, this land is explored by many tourists yearly. The culture and traditions of this place are reflected in the art forms that originated here, the dance-form of “Bharat Natyam” being one, along with the Thanjavur paintings.

Telangana

Once the land of the Nizams, home to rich textiles and truly diverse cultures- Telangana is more than just the Qutub Minar row. The state of Telangana might have attained official geographical and political recognition only back in 2014, but its existence and history have been noted since the Mughal era and beyond. Situated in the Southern part of India, on the Deccan Plateau, it is the eleventh largest state in the country. Besides its capital city of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana includes other ancient cities like Nizamabad, Warangal, and Karimnagar, which the wealthy Nizams once ruled. This vast region is one of the most ancient locations on the map of India; Once ruled by the greatest of dynasties like the Satavahanas, Kakatiyas, Cholas, and of course, the Delhi Sultanate- Telangana has a rich and fascinating history that gives birth to an equally rich culture. Earlier, the region was called “Telugu Angana”, as to separate its Telegu-speaking population. But later, the name Telangana was attained as a reference to the word “Trilinga”- referring to the three “lingams” (parts) of Lord Shiva found here, according to Hindu mythology. Due to the influences of dynasties, troops, and religions, Telangana is abundant in art and culture dating back centuries! The pride of Telangana textiles lies in the Gadwal saree, which is almost 200 years old. Golconda is a famous style that belongs to the 16th-century Deccan sultanate. This originated from the Qutub Shahi reign and has been a part of museums around the globe.

Kashmir

Luscious greens of tall trees, snow-capped mountains, clear blue skies and beautiful lakes- that’s Kashmir for you; “Heaven on Earth”. Situated in a rather exciting spot on the north-western subcontinent of India, it is surrounded by Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Indian administered part of this region consists of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. The people living here are a blend of diverse cultures and religions. This composite culture of the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Buddhists is called Kashmiriyat. Buddhism and Hinduism's history goes back to ancient India's times, during the Vedic era. The famous tales of Panchatantra is believed to have originated here itself. Then, followed the Islamic invasion of the Shah Mir Dynasty brought along the influence of Persian culture. It is said that the Mughal emperor Akbar built fantastic Persian structures in Kashmir during his reign, which included waterfalls and princely terraces, as this place became his summer retreat. So, it comes as no surprise that the art and cultural heritage of Kashmiri costume is rich, wealthy and enchanting! Be it the fine cashmere Pashmina, the intricate and royal Persian carpets, Kashida hand-embroidered goods or the soothing Sufiana music – Kashmir, with its old-world charm, is a place for the true romantics.

West Bengal

West Bengal shares its old-world charm and cultural influences with Bangladesh (earlier known as East Bengal). This heritage-rich Indian state is on an accelerated path to becoming India’s fashion hub. Fashion, as subjective as it may seem, is ever-changing, making room for west bengal dressing style to emerge as the years continue to pass by.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is undoubtedly a diverse state, with various cultures present to guide the traditional fashion of the area. Known for its rich and exquisite culture, Uttar Pradesh is home to many tourist attractions like the Taj Mahal in Agra, Ayodhya, and Mathura; the birthplaces of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and Lord Parashurama, respectively. It is also renowned for Prayagraj’s Magh Mela festival, Lucknow’s Bara Imambara, and Chhota Imambara, among many others. Colourfully draped clothing items are a part of the state’s charm.

Assam

One of the Seven Sisters of India, Assam is a growing state with deep-sunken cultural roots. It is relatively well-known for its beautiful scenery, thriving forests, magnificent cuisine, language, and elegant traditional attire. Assam is a truly diverse state with various races present — Indo-Burmese, Indo-Iranian, Mongolian and Aryan. Rich and exotic, it’s home to tribes like Karbi, Dimasa, Mishing, Kachari, Rabha, Miri, and Bodo, all of them coexisting together. In Assam, tribal and local attire go hand in hand, with a formidable sense of mutual respect for the other as they coexist in the same place. Tribal attire varies according to the concerned tribe as each of these communities have their own rich history and culture that cannot be simplified as one single piece. However, the state’s most populous tribes have taken traditional clothing and made it entirely their own with how it is made and worn. An example of the same can be Assam’s Bodo tribe. There are primarily two traditional outfits adorned by the Assamese - one for men and the other for women.

Manipur

The former princely kingdom of Manipur lies in the India-Burma frontier, occupying a prime location in a subsidiary alliance with the British rule in India. This state's history is enriching and epic, full of royal tales and sagas of the many heroic Kings who ruled Manipur. The oldest kingdom is that of the “Kangleipak”, when the same name knew Manipur; the kingdom dates back to the 11th century and has ruled for almost two thousand years! Manipur became a part of India after the nation became independent in 1949, thereby losing its long-standing independence. The Meitis are known to be of the highest order and the oldest tribal community of Manipur. The presence of several tribes living in this region, like the Aimol, Anal, Chiru, the Nagas, Koko/Zizu and many more, have significantly influenced Manipur’s diverse and rich culture. Everything starting from the arts, traditions and even the cuisine result from the fascinating amalgamation of different tribes and their cultures.

Madhya Pradesh

Located in the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is a culturally diverse state. Home to 46 tribes and more than four religions, this state has a lot in store in terms of culture and fashion. Each street has a unique history of its own embedded underneath the cement roads, making it a true beauty in the eyes of Indians and tourists all over the world. Despite sharing a few cultural similarities with Rajasthan and Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh is unparalleled when it comes to culture. In the beginning, the state was known as ‘Malwa’ and served as the location for the rule of Emperor Ashoka, Vikramaditya, Chandragupta, Harshavardhana, and Raja Bhoj. These rulers helped write the history of Madhya Pradesh and made it into the vibrant state it is today.

Odisha

A place that has seen the most momentous wars, rule of the greatest emperor, and is home to one of the most beautiful Indian temples: Odisha is a quaint land of folklore and opulent culture that one just can’t miss. Situated in the eastern coastal region of India, between two great rivers- this place is brimming with a culture that is influenced by its history and the surrounding regions. The most famous folk-art form that originated here is “Pattchitra .”This type of painting is done on pieces of cloth, using natural colours. It was initially created at temples, the most popular of which is the painting of the deity Jagganath. Based on mythologic characters and folktales that have a history connected to its land - Pattachitra is famous for its incredibly intricate details. This art form has stood the test of time. It can now be seen in all types of fabrics and sarees.

Jharkhand

Previously a part of Bihar until 2000, Jharkhand is located in the Eastern part of India. It is the fifteenth largest state in the country and shares its borders with Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Some of the major cities in the state include Ranchi, which is the capital, Dumka, the sub-capital, and Jamshedpur, Hazaribagh, Dhanbad, and Bokaro. Its unique tribal ancestry and culture have made it a noteworthy state diverse in its values and customs. The state is also mainly influenced by non-tribal communities, for example, religious groups like Jains and Buddhists. A true blend of a variety of cultures can be observed in Jharkhand Clothing.

Uttarakhand

In the northern part of India, on the foothills of the Himalayas, lies ‘Devbhumi’– translated as “Land of Gods”; this Devbhumi is none other than Uttarakhand. Carved out of a part of Uttar Pradesh, this is the 27th state of India. Several renowned Hindu temples and pilgrimages like Badrinath, Kedarnath, and Gangotri attract thousands of tourists annually. There is archeological research that suggests the existence of human beings living here, since the prehistoric and Vedic ages. If one refers to the Puranas, the name Uttarakhand was the name of the central Indian Himalayas. The history of Uttarakhand is, without a doubt, one of the most mystical and fascinating ones! It was believed that this region was inhabited by the righteous Rishis and Sadhus in ancient India, preceded by the Gods. That’s how this land became such a notable pilgrimage place. Legend has it, that when the Pandavas wanted Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for killing their blood relatives, Shiva wanted to hide from them in the form of a bull roaming in the Himalayas. The more one dives into the history of this place; the more legendary tales come up. Tribal people heavily occupy the entire region, and their arts and crafts make a sizeable contribution. For example, the Bhotias of Uttarakhand is known for their woolen handicrafts. Similarly, the arts and crafts of this hill station are equally fantastic- Be it the famous Garhwal Paintings, the art of Sacred Geometry of Aipaan and Peeth, or even their one-of-a-kind jewellery-making skills.

Churidar

Worn with traditional kurtas by both men & women, churidars have been a salient piece of garment in the history of Indian fashion. The Churidar or Chudidar is a unisex south Asian garment. Popularly worn in North India and Pakistan, it is a fitted bottom (often referred to as Pajamas) that is tight all the way to the ankle, highlighting the silhouette of the leg. They are longer than the leg and the excess fabric gathers at the bottom, which is tightly secured around the ankle with a closure. They are worn with kurtas and dupattas by women and kurtas or sherwanis by men.

Salwar

The salwar breathes an enigmatic feel, royal grandeur and culture-rich history with its roots steeped in the times of medieval India. The origin of salwar carries a rich chronicle in a sartorial context. The salwar is a loose trouser, narrowing down a bit towards the bottom. It is paired with the kameez, meant for both men and women, which is more like a shirt or tunic-like apparel.

Dupatta

A symbol of divine femininity, dupattas are a sacred part of Asian culture; and history is proof. Known by many names, like chunni, chunari, chaddar, and odhini - a dupatta is a south Asian scarf or stole. It is an accessory often worn for modesty. A dupatta is nothing but, a large rectangular piece of cloth, approximately 2 meters long. It comes in varying patterns and fabrics that typically match the entire look or outfit. It is the women, who mostly wear dupattas, but even men drape them over sherwanis.

Dhotis

A plain piece of fabric draped and wrapped in several ways- Indian Dhotis are proof that skirts were never meant for only women! The most iconic representation of the Dhoti is seen in the figure of Mahatma Gandhi. This South Asian garment is worn predominantly by men of the Indian sub-continent. A dhoti or veshti or chaadra is a long piece of fabric, predominantly cotton- wrapped around the waist. This is not just a piece of garment but a whole lifestyle. The word “dhoti” translates to washed, which simply refers to a clean, fresh piece of clothing worn on a daily basis. It is an extremely simple silhouette- draped and unstitched. A traditional dhoti has no embellishments on it; in some communities, they have a simple golden or woven border.

Anarkali

Deriving its name from the famous courtesan of the royal Mughal empire- “Anarkali” is an attire characterized by a long and voluminous flared kalidar kurta- teamed with churidar and dupatta. Anarkali, however, literally translates to a blooming pomegranate.

Sharara

Shararas are synonymous with opulence and regal aesthetic. They gained immense popularity in the early 19th century amongst the Muslim women of the Indian belt. The sharara ensemble consists of a kameez or kurta in a long or short length, teamed with a dupatta and voluminous bottoms customised with pleats, ruffles or gathers. Usually rendered with traditional gota patti work, zardozi embroidery, block printing and mirror embellishments, the sharara kurta set is known to have been patronized by the royals.

Lehenga

The Lehenga is the most popular Indian ensemble that has been in existence for more than several centuries. Earlier, women wore Lehengas daily as an essential item of regular clothing. The ensemble is now mostly reserved for festivals and weddings.

Sarees

The saree is symbolic of an Indian woman's grace and the heritage wear of the Indian subcontinent. A quintessential attire of Indian women, the saree is a long rectangular unstitched piece of fabric customized to a length varying from 5 to 9 yards. Baring the midriff, the saree is wrapped around the waist over a petticoat, with a long end draped over the shoulder and paired with a blouse.

Nehru Jacket

Customised with a mandarin collar and hip-long length, the tailored coat featuring a front stylised like the Indian achkan or sherwani is known as the Nehru jacket. It gained global popularity by Jawaharlal Nehru, the prime minister of India, from 1947 to 1964. It is also known as Sadra, Waskat, or Bandi.

Sherwani

Sherwani is an Indian coat customised with structured tailoring featuring a long length and full sleeves. Buttoned down the front, it falls below the knees, featuring a closed stand collar. The sherwani evolved in India in the 19th century in South Asia. Sherwani is a popular ensemble in India for weddings and festive events. The sherwani signifies dignity and noble etiquette, carrying a regal feel. It is generally paired with a churidar or dhoti as the lower garment.

Kurta

Kurtas are a vital traditional outfit of the people of India. A kurta can be defined as an upper-body garment or long tunic paired with a salwar or churidar, completing the look with a dupatta. Kurtas replaced the traditional Angrakha garment, that was a half-stitched tunic fastened with strings and loops. A famous rendition- the Punjabi Kurta became famous in Punjab during the 1960s, which is why Kurtas are still colloquially called "Punjabi" in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Over time, the basic Kurta silhouette has transcended borders and evolved through the decades to suit modern trends and sensibilities.

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