Consider the following statements about the costumes and headgear/hair

Consider the following statements about the costumes and headgear/hairstyle in India during 4th-7th century AD:
1. There was a marked preference for stitched garment as compared to any previous age.
2. Simple plaits without any floral embellishment dominated the hairstyle of women.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option1″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2024

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The correct option is A.

Statement 1: There was a marked preference for stitched garment as compared to any previous age. The period 4th-7th century AD corresponds roughly to the Gupta period and early post-Gupta period. Historical and archaeological evidence suggests that while traditional unstitched garments (like dhoti, sari, antariya, uttariya) remained prevalent, the influence of foreign contacts (like Kushanas and Sakas before and during the Gupta period) led to increased use and popularity of stitched garments such as tunics (choga, jama), coats, trousers (shalwar). Compared to the earlier Vedic or Maurya periods where unstitched garments were dominant, the stitched garments saw a significant rise in preference, particularly among certain sections of society (royalty, nobility, military) and in specific regions. Therefore, stating a ‘marked preference’ (meaning noticeable increase and favour) for stitched garments compared to previous ages appears correct for this period.

Statement 2: Simple plaits without any floral embellishment dominated the hairstyle of women. Sculptural depictions and paintings from the Gupta period (e.g., Ajanta murals, sculptures from Sanchi, Deogarh) show a wide variety of elaborate and complex hairstyles worn by women, often involving intricate buns, multiple braids, coils, and ringlets. These hairstyles were frequently adorned with flowers, pearls, jewels, and other ornaments. Simple plaits existed, but they did not ‘dominate’ the hairstyle scene, especially among the elite and in artistic representations, nor were they typically ‘without any floral embellishment’. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Based on the analysis, only statement 1 is correct.

The Gupta period (c. 320 to 550 CE) is often considered a golden age of Indian art, literature, and science. Clothing styles during this era reflected both tradition and foreign influences. Men’s clothing often included the antariya and uttariya, but stitched garments like tunics (often called ‘choga’) and trousers became common, especially in the north and west. Women continued to wear saris and dhotis, but stitched blouses and jackets also appeared. Hairstyles were diverse and elaborate, with extensive use of ornaments. The period saw cultural synthesis, which was reflected in attire and adornment.

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