The Early History of the Deccan (Parts I–XI) v1.c7.s7.39

v1.c7.s7.39

If sculptures accurately depict contemporary fashions, then scanty dress and profuse ornaments appear to have satisfied the common people. The figures cut on the Amarāvatī rails and in the Kārle *chaitya* cave tell almost the same story: except in certain small details, the dress and ornaments in use on both sides of the Deccan were the same. Women wore a twisted cloth below the waist in two or three tiers with a knot at the right and the ends hanging from it. It was not customary as yet for them to cover their breasts. Men had a loin cloth, part of which sometimes was thrown over their shoulders. They also put on a head-dress of twisted cloth. Ear-rings, bangles, bracelets, and necklaces were worn by both men and women. Some of the latter, however, wore bangles running up to the elbows, and bracelets covering a large part of the upper arm. Almost all women adorned their legs with anklets.