Watson, John F.: The textile manufactures and the costumes of the people of India (London, 1866)

IV

CONTENTS.

Introduction—continued. Page

She now sells us raw products, but she was once an exporter of Textiles - 8

And may resume that position - -- -- -- 8

Meantime labour may be profitably diverted to the development of the natural

resources of the country ------- - 8

Importance of the collection as illustrating the requirements of the natives of India 8

Objects of the mode of distribution of the 20 sets of Fabric Books - - 8

Advantages of the deposit of a certain number of sets in India - - - 8

Will facilitate trade operations - -- -- -- 8

Contemplated extension of the scheme by the distribution of specimens of other

manufactures and of raw products ------ 9

Reference to memorandum regarding the distribution in Great Britain and India of

the Collections of Specimens ------- 9, note.

COSTUME OF THE PEOPLE OF INDIA

Indian Textiles divided into two great classes—scarf-like and piece goods - - 11

The past and present costume of Hindus and of Mahomedans - - - 11

Sewing not practised before the Mahomedan invasion - - - - 11

Assimilation of the costumes of the two great races influenced by political conditions 11

Convenience of the made-up garment a recommendation to its adoption by Hindus 11

Antipathy of Hindu women to the petticoat, bodice, and made-up garments - 12

Importance, commercially, of the scarf-like form of garment 12

Skill and taste of the native weaver in decoration and manufacture - - 12

Scarf-like articles of attire to be. considered under two heads—those worn by
males, and those by females - - - - - - - 12

Object of this work to indicate the mode of wear, the qualities most suitable, the

patterns, &c. most likely to be acceptable to the people of India - - 12

LOOM-MADE ARTICLES OF MALE ATTIRE:-

I. TURBANS:—

The Turban in universal use in India - - - - - 13

Its chief function, protection from heat of sun - - - - 13

Materials of which it is made—muslin, cotton, silk, and wool - - 13

Cotton by far the most usual - - - - - - 13

Silk used to some extent by the higher classes - - - - 13

Woollen turbans in the form of small shawls - - - - 13

Size and shape of turban often peculiar to tribes or castes - - 13

Turbans of different forms or materials have different names - - 13

Varieties of form, &c., names, and description - - - - 13, note.

Reference to illustrations - -- -- -- 14

Colours and ornamentation of turbans - - - - - 14

All colours used - - - - - - - 14

White the most common - - - - - - 14

Dark colours relieved by embroidery - - - - - 14

Silk turban pieces of various colours - - - - - 14

Cotton turbans often printed - - - - - - 14

Ornamentation artistic, beautiful, and chaste 14

This true not of turbans only but of all Indian ornamentation - 14

It marks a pure and refined taste ----- 14

Dimensions of turban pieces ------ 14

Mode of wearing the turban ------ 14