subject: Rajasthan Costumes [print this page] The dry, barren landscape and sepia-toned hues perhaps prompt the people here to indulge in a riot of colours in their day-to-day lives. Rajasthani costumes are a direct contrast to the colorless scenery and are bright, bold and beautiful in design and style. Right from royalty to the humble villager, all wear the clothes made possible by the skilled dyers of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Rajasthan is colorful because of what its people wear. The dull-colored monotone of the sands and hills look cheery with the vibrant spirits of the people who wear bright colors to make up for the absence of blossoming flowers. Interesting costumes and jewellery of these desert people are not mere ornaments for them. Everything from head-to-toe including the turbans, clothes, jewellery and even the footwear establishes your identity, your religion and your economic and social status in Rajasthan.
Royalty:
Royalty is as always, a class apart in their selection of clothes and jewellery. The Rangkhana and Chhapakhana were responsible for the dyeing and printing, while the Siwankhana ensured the perfect tailoring. Opulent and lavish in its use of stone and jewels, these costumes were embodiments of the Rajasthani heritage. Rich brocade and silks from Benares and Gujarat and light cottons from Chanderi and Dhaka were obtained to make these ornate costumes.
Male Attire:
The ubiquitous turban or headgear was and still is a symbol of Rajasthan's culture and heritage. It is to be found everywhere in varied styles and fabrics, designed to suit the terrain and the climate and also signifying the caste and status of the wearer. Apart from this accessory, the men are generally seen in angarakhas (kurta-like uppers), dhotis or pajamas and kamarbands (broad waistbands). The color of the turban, its style and how it is tied gets special attention from the people here as it symbolizes the caste and region from which the person belongs.
Female Attire:
Rajasthani women wear ankle-length long skirts with narrow waist that gain width like an umbrella at the base. It is called 'ghaghara'. However, the length has been kept a little short on purpose, so that foot ornaments are visible. The width and the number of pleats in the 'ghaghara' symbolize one's prosperity. It comes in many colors and styles. Right from toe rings, anklets to waistbands, from necklaces, bracelets to hair pieces, Rajasthani costumes for women are a treat for the eyes.
Footwear:
'Mojaris' or 'Jutis' are mostly carried by both men and women of Rajasthan. The shoes or mojaris are designed in such a comfortable way with embroidery and designs. The footwears from Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ramjipura and Jobre are famous in all over the world. They are basically made up of camel leather, sheepskin or goatskin as they are comfortable as well as strong.
In short, the costumes of Rajasthan are in their vividness and variety, an attractive and enduring symbol of Rajasthans culture and ancient heritage.
