DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.22900#0159
CHAP. III.]
THE PARSI DRESS.
"7
whose ancestors were known for their public spirit
and generosity.
The more numerous class, the Shehenshais, is re-
presented by Sir Jamshedji Jijibhai, Baronet, the
wealthy and liberal Petits, and many other rich and
respectable families.
All the festivals of the Parsis are observed by
both sects in exactly the same manner, only on
different dates.
We have now to describe the costume of the
Parsis. The dress of the modern Parsis of India
differs from that worn by their ancestors in Persia
and by their present co-religionists in that country.
They have adopted the present costume in accordance
with their agreement with the Hindu princes who
received them in India, and to this is attributable
the great resemblance of the "angrakha" (coat) and
turban of the men, and the " sari" of the women, to
the dress of the Hindus of Gujarat. This costume is,
moreover, well adapted to the climate of the country.
Beginning with the child, we may mention that its
dress, till it attains the age of seven (when it has to
be invested with the "sudra" and "kusti," or the
sacred shirt and girdle), is simple and not less be-
coming. It consists of a single garment—a loose
shirt of cotton, flannel, or silk—called "jabhla," ex-
tending from the neck and reaching below the knees.
Among the well-to-do classes, the habit of putting
THE PARSI DRESS.
"7
whose ancestors were known for their public spirit
and generosity.
The more numerous class, the Shehenshais, is re-
presented by Sir Jamshedji Jijibhai, Baronet, the
wealthy and liberal Petits, and many other rich and
respectable families.
All the festivals of the Parsis are observed by
both sects in exactly the same manner, only on
different dates.
We have now to describe the costume of the
Parsis. The dress of the modern Parsis of India
differs from that worn by their ancestors in Persia
and by their present co-religionists in that country.
They have adopted the present costume in accordance
with their agreement with the Hindu princes who
received them in India, and to this is attributable
the great resemblance of the "angrakha" (coat) and
turban of the men, and the " sari" of the women, to
the dress of the Hindus of Gujarat. This costume is,
moreover, well adapted to the climate of the country.
Beginning with the child, we may mention that its
dress, till it attains the age of seven (when it has to
be invested with the "sudra" and "kusti," or the
sacred shirt and girdle), is simple and not less be-
coming. It consists of a single garment—a loose
shirt of cotton, flannel, or silk—called "jabhla," ex-
tending from the neck and reaching below the knees.
Among the well-to-do classes, the habit of putting