Jodhpuri
A Jodhpuri suit, also known as a Jodhpuri bandhgala (lit. ‘closed neck’), is a formal suit from India. It originated in the erstwhile princely state of Jodhpur and gained popularity in India during the mid-19th to mid-20th century.[1] It consists of a coat and trousers, sometimes accompanied by a vest. It brings together a shorter cut with hand-embroidery escorted by the waistcoat.[2] The suit combines elements of traditional Indian attire with Western tailoring, emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries during the princely rule in Rajasthan. Initially popular among Rajput royalty and aristocracy, especially during the British Raj, the Jodhpuri suit has evolved into a symbol of formal and ceremonial wear in India.[3]
The attire was developed as an Indian adaptation of the Western formal suit, blending it with the Angarkha and Achkan styles, and gained prominence through the patronage of Maharaja Pratap Singh of Jodhpur and his successors. Today, it is worn on formal occasions such as weddings, receptions, and state functions, and is considered a classic example of Indo-Western fusion in fashion.[4]
History
[edit]Angarkha is considered the predecessor of the Bandhgala. An angrakha was a traditional court outfit in ancient and classical India that a person could wrap comfortably around himself, offering flexible ease with the knots and ties. Bandhgala emerged as a shortened version of the Achkan. Bandhgala quickly became a popular formal and semi-formal uniform across Rajasthan and eventually throughout India. Designer Wendell Rodricks observes that formal wear such as the Bandhgala are evolutions of a costume legacy that is 6,000 years old.[5] Although, unlike the indigenous european style men's skirts, eastern style pants are worn with it.[citation needed]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ selvam, Kayalvizhi saravana. Arts Of Hindustan. Kayalvizhi saravana selvam. ISBN 979-8-5088-2055-8.
- ^ Now, bandhgala in a casual look Archived 30 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Jodhpuri Suits: Weddings and Formal Events". Bharat Reshma. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
- ^ "Jodhpuri Suit vs Sherwani – Key Differences Explained". jodhpurisuits.in. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
- ^ "Nehru Jacket or Modi Vest: Which One Are You Wearing Today? | Outlook India Magazine".
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