Common Garments:
* Sari: Possibly the most iconic Indian garment, the sari is a long unstitched cloth draped around the waist and shoulders. It was likely worn in various forms throughout ancient India, though its exact origins are debated.
* Antariya: A long, unstitched cloth wrapped around the waist and legs, similar to a skirt. It was worn by both men and women in ancient India.
* Uttariya: A shawl or scarf that was draped over the shoulders. This was worn by both men and women.
* Anga: A garment that covered the upper body, often a sleeveless or short-sleeved tunic. It was worn by both men and women.
* Dhoti: A long piece of cloth draped around the waist and legs, similar to a skirt. Though mainly associated with men, women also wore dhotis in some regions.
* Kurta: A long tunic that reached the knees or ankles. It was worn by both men and women.
Accessories:
* Jewelry: Ancient Indian women wore a wide variety of jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, bangles, rings, and nose rings. Jewelry often served as status symbols and was made from materials like gold, silver, gemstones, and beads.
* Hair Ornaments: Women adorned their hair with flowers, combs, and other decorative ornaments.
* Bindi: A small mark applied to the forehead, often made from sandalwood paste or turmeric.
* Mehendi: Henna paste was used for temporary body art and was a popular form of decoration.
Influence of Region and Social Class:
* Regional Variations: Clothing styles differed across various regions of India. For example, in the Indus Valley Civilization, women wore long, pleated skirts and shawls. In the Vedic period, women wore saris and antariyas.
* Social Class: Clothing also reflected social status. Wealthy women wore elaborate garments made from fine fabrics, while those of lower social standing wore simpler clothes made from coarser materials.
Important Note: Our understanding of ancient Indian women's clothing relies on archeological evidence, literary texts, and artwork. The exact forms and variations remain a subject of ongoing research and interpretation.