Angrakhan - The Protection Cover For Traditional Men's Wear
Angrakha is derivation from sanskrit word ‘Angrakshak’ or body protector meaning something that protects the limbs. It is quite a famous and prevalent men wear in Rajasthan.
People wear angarkhas’ made of locally manufactured clothes. It is mainly a long sleeve, full skirted tunic for men generally open at the chest and tied in front with an inner flap covering the chest.
Angarkha does not have a standing collar unlike choga or atamsukh. This neckline usually being close to the base of throat in its fitting. It closes in the front sometimes on the chest and held in place by means of either ties or a small fabric covered buttons and loop.
It is developmental garment which has contemporary origins in the 16 th century jama-yi -pumba mentioned by Abdul Fazl in Ain -i-Akbari. It is actually a formal wear of affluent class in Rajasthan. The local and tribal communities wear shorter version (angarkhi) know as putia in the region. To improve mobility of wearer slits are made at the sides and also at the wrists.
DIFFERENT STYLES
It is interesting notion that in Muslim tradition the visible outer tie cords are positioned under right armpit while the Hindu angarkhas have the noticeable tie under left armpit. The inner fastenings are in opposite sides. This style of tying distinguishes two communities of Rajasthan.
CLOTH
It is made of plain silk or brocade especially for wedding occasions. Fine cotton voile with gold tinsel printed make a special feature. Tie and die angarkhas are reserved for special Rajasthani festivals while cotton ones for daily wear.
SEASONAL INFULENCE
During winters angarkhas of thick quilted material are worn while in summer s fine cotton angarkhas are used to protect from heat wave. In Rajasthan, people wear Kamari angarkhi that reaches the waist when they have to formally dressed. The length vary 5-7.5 m.
The beauty of Angarkha depicts the culture & colour which is still embedded in the land of Rajasthan.
