The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c15.s1.3

c15.s1.3

The epics show that the dress of women continued to be more or less of the above type for a long time. Draupadī's remarks, when summoned to the gambling hall, make it clear that to go out without an upper garment properly covering the entire bust was regarded as indecorous¹. At home, however, only one *sari* was worn, but it used to cover the shoulders and bosom as well; Draupadī, when dragged out by her garment by Duśśāsana, is described as having the upper part of her *sari* falling down². The additional upper garment was not absolutely necessary to cover the bust. It only formed part of the ceremonious dress. Sītā therefore could dispense with it when she wanted a piece of cloth to tie her ornaments in order to drop them down to Sugrīva, when she was very anxious to leave behind a clue about her abduction, as she was being carried away in the air by Rāvaṇa.