The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c26.147

v1.c26.147

and this linen from the trees is of a more shining white than any other linen, unless it be that the people themselves being dark make the linen appear all the whiter. They have a tunic of tree-linen down to the middle of their shins, and two other pieces of stuff, one thrown about their shoulders and one twisted round their heads. And the Indians wear ear-rings of ivory, those that are very well-off.... Also they dye their beards different colours, some so as to make them appear as white as white may be, and some dyeing them blue-black: others make them crimson, and others purple, and others green. In the summer they protect themselves with umbrellas, those of the Indians that is to say, who are not too low to be considered. They wear shoes of white leather very elaborately worked; and the soles of the shoes are variegated, and high-heeled so as to make the wearer seem taller³.