Ancient Indian Costume c8.s3.9

c8.s3.9

A further development of the *choli* was the fold back at the bottom edge and the introduction of strings, attached to make it backless, very like the garment worn today by women in Rajasthan and elsewhere. The apron-like attachment at the front of the *choli*, visible in some of the frescoes, could have evolved from the need for protection against the cold for the front part of the body, as the back was normally covered by the head-veil, or as a modest covering over the stomach which was exposed, the skirt or *lehnga* being worn below the navel. Here again the back was covered by the head-veil.