Ancient Indian Costume c8.s2.5

c8.s2.5

The king's costume was most often of striped blue closely woven silk with a floating *uttariya*. Both these garments invariably had woven borders. Instead of the *kayabandh* a plain cord or belt became more popular, wound once or twice around and then buckled or knotted in a variety of ways to secure the *antariya*. Sometimes the *uttariya* itself was twisted thickly and worn aslant the waist with a large knot at the left hip on which the hand could rest, or it was casually thrown over the left shoulder. It was the elaborate *mukuta* (crown) and exquisite jewellery that really set apart kings and high dignitaries from other members of the royal entourage. Some scholars believe that these elaborate *mukuta* were never actually used, but were merely signs of divinity or royalty.