Dupatta No Longer The Veil of Restriction! The tale of the scarf of modesty

While it is known very well to the women of South Asia that a dupatta, with its various alias is the symbol of modesty and good behaviour! But just like the history of women’s freedom and the right to expression has seen a lot of tumultuous change, so has this fond piece of cloth which when adorning our mothers or sister’s shoulders, suddenly becomes the hand towel we so rightfully rub our indulgences on!

Today the dupatta is no longer the parda (pudah) which literally means curtain that stands for seclusion of women. Those old complex norms imposed upon females by the patriarchal society for covering themselves up for avoidance of public appearances, especially in the presence of strange men is no longer a norm that burdens us down.

Historically there was no trace of dupattas in the ancient civilizations. The archaeological evidences of Harappa and Mohenjodaro also do not give any clue about the existence of this garment. The ancient population of Vedic India would only wear 3 pieces of garment – an undergarment called the nivil, another layer of clothing called vasas, and an over-garment called as adhivasa. The adhivasa is comparable to the dupatta or a modern day chaddar (scarf) but both men and women to cover their torso wore it. That has gradually developed to be the dupatta that Indian women today wear as they became more aware of their modesty or were somewhat forced to.

The number of ways one can don a dupatta are a plenty, that are manufactured in different fabrics like cotton, georgette, silk, chiffon, and others. It may be a plain one of a single hue, a shaded one or a multihued one. Today they are mostly an accessory to add an accentuated style statement to an otherwise dull dress rather than an absolute necessity in terms of proper gendered-dress code.

The present times when a dress is too drab women like to glam it up by wearing a heavily embroidered vibrant dupatta, which is especially the case for a bridal dress. While this piece of clothing has seen the tumultuous evolution of women and their position in the society in Asian countries, just like the beholder these garments are also experiencing the fabrics of change. The change for a better, more open society where the definition of freedom is not biased with gender norms.

So, you can choose to embrace the past with a fresh perspective with buying designer dupatta online which may not be the veil the restricts you; but the freely waving scarf in the wind of change that liberates you with it.

Choose your pick on hand embroidery dupatta online from our Chota Closet, the best destination for dupatta online shopping in India. Let’s shop-e-ethnic for change!