Ancient Indian Costume c5.s3.2

c5.s3.2

As regards male headgear, in the early Mauryan period there is no trace of the turban *mauli*, but in the Sunga period we find great emphasis on this form of male headdress. These were remarkable head-dresses in which the hair itself was often twisted into a braid along with the turban cloth. This twisted braid was then arranged to form a protuberance at the front or the side of the head but never at the centre top, as this style could be used only by priests. Over the turban a band was sometimes used to hold it in place. In addition, decorative elements like a jewelled brooch or a *jhalar* (fringe) could be attached to the turban, or one end folded in pleats and tucked in like a fan.