Short Notes on Dress Codes of Women in 19th Century India

Short Notes on Dress Codes of Women in 19th Century India

(i) India was a patriarchal society, where women were subservient to men. They were regarded as repositories of social norms.

(ii) It also shows respect for the opinion of elders of the family.

(iii) Wearing western clothes was regarded as a sign of shamelessness.

(iv) Women wanted to remain within the boundaries of accepted social norms.

(v) The British rule was all⁴pervasive. It impinged on the political, social and economic life of the people. The continued use of Indian traditional dress by women was symbolic of control in the personal domain.

(vi) It was a reaction to uphold ones own cultural identity.