Question

During the colonial period how did indians react to western style of clothing ?

Answer 1

Indians reacted in three different ways to western style clothing:

(i) Many especially men incorporated some elements of Western style clothing in their dress, e.g., Parsis. The wealthy Parsis added baggy trousers and the phenta (hat) to long collarless coats, with boots and a walking stick to complete the look of the gentleman. The Dalit coverts to Christianity regarded western clothes as a sign of modernity and progress.

(ii) Others were reactionist in their approach. They were convinced that Western culture would lead to loss of traditional cultural identity, e.g., many Bengalis. They mocked those who wore western clothes.

(iii) Still others resolved the dilemma by creating a difference between inner and outer world. They started wearing Western clothes to work without giving up their Indian ones. They changed into Indian clothes when at home.