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Home
> City Resources > Clothing and Textiles > The Princely Look
 
 
 The Princely Look  

The medival head gearWhen God created the universe, He must have accidentally spilled His paints onto a small piece of earth that was to become India. Perhaps no other country in the world can boast of a culture and array of costumes as colourful as ours. Indian turbans, also called 'pethas' or 'safas' or 'pagris', are equally attractive. And what's more, they are making a comeback. It sits easy on the heads of glamorous models doing the catwalk.

The size, colour and style of tying the turban varies from place to place, depending on the social class of the wearer. These aspects have been studied and 'pagris' have been prepared in miniaturized versions so that they do not occupy too much of space and their cost is reduced. Indian head-gear has evolved over the years and, today, a head gear looks very different from those of the medieval period.

Rajasthani Turbans are known for their beauty and elegance. They are an essential part of the traditional outfit and are still worn in small towns and villages of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Bihar. It has been estimated that there are approximately one thousand different styles and types of turbans in India. The various styles of turbans denote different regions and castes. These variations are called by different names such as pagari, petha and safa. A pagari is usually 82 feet long and 8 inches wide. A 'safa' is shorter and broader. The turban material is also a pointer to social status.

Achieving the different styles with just a length of material requires great skill. Specialists in this art, called 'pagribands', were employed by the royal courts, but in North India people generally take pride in practicing and perfecting the art of turban-tying themselves.

The colourful modern turbansA turban's colour also has a tale to tell. Some colors and patterns are seasonal. For instance in Rajasthan, the white and red 'falguniya' turban is worn only during spring. The dotted 'chunri' pattern or bright colors signify a marriage or the birth of a child. On the other hand, colors like dark blue, maroon or khaki signify a death in the family. Wearing the wrong type of turban under the wrong circumstances can make you an object of ridicule!


For the look of a prince, reach out for one of that oh-so-cool Indian headgear. And then keep a cool head when you find yourself the center of attraction.

 
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