Ancient Indian Costume c8.s3.2

c8.s3.2

The *antariya* which was 18–36 inches wide and 4–8 yards long was worn in several different ways. The short or long *antariya* was worn in the *kachcha* style or as a *lehnga*, in which case it was first wrapped around the right hip then around the body and tucked in at the left hip. It was drawn very tight across the hips accentuating their curve most seductively, and was normally calf length. Another form of the *antariya* was worn in the *kachcha* and *lehnga* styles together. This was usually a very short *antariya* only up to mid-thigh called the *calanika*. It was drawn up first in the *kachcha* style, the longer end of the three-yard long material was then wrapped around like a short *lehnga*. A common form was a skimpy *antariya* made of cheap linen worn mainly by the lower classes. Normally the ankle-length *antariya* was worn by the nobility and women of high rank, attendants usually wore the shorter form. But in all cases it was tied under the navel and supported by the hip bones.