Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s2.t1.84

c7.s2.t1.84

Coming to Hindu dresses, we have already remarked that the Hindu turban was becoming popular among Muslims of the upper classes. The Hindu aristocracy, as a rule, followed the Muslim nobility in their dresses. If one removed the sectarian mark or some distinctive ornament of the Hindu upper classes (for instance, the ear-ring among the Rajputs) there was very little to distinguish a Hindu from a Muslim nobleman.⁴ Among the various other social classes, the Brahmans and ascetics were conspicuous for their public appearance and dress. The upper country Brahman put a caste-mark (tilaka) on his forehead and a dhoti, if possible, trimmed with gold lace. He put a forked stick (or baisakhi) in his hand and sandals, probably studded with pegs of rich metal, on his feet, and thus went about the town bestowing his blessings on all and sundry.⁵