Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c11.s2.18

c11.s2.18

The typical costume of the women of Gujarāt in the 12th century is illustrated in the figures of the Vidyādevīs in a palm-leaf manuscript from Chhāṇi, near Baroda, dated 1161 A.D.⁶³ Their dress consists of richly patterned *sārīs* reaching the ankles, *paṭkās* matching the *sārīs*, tight half-sleeved *cholīs* covering the entire chest and the stomach and the light scarves worn on the shoulders (Fig. 248). That the *cholīs* did not always cover the entire chest is evident from the illustrated book-cover depicting the battle between Bharata and Bāhubali. Here the women are shown wearing striped *sārīs* and *paṭkās*, and their breasts are covered with half-sleeved *cholīs*, made of striped or flowered materials which leave the stomach exposed (Fig. 249).