Vibrant colours and patterns define the regal state of Rajasthan. This predominant vivacity is reflected in the costumes of Rajasthan as well. However, it must be noted that a lot of significant facts are closely related to the costumes for Rajasthani men and women. In fact, the costumes worn by the men of rural Rajasthan still reflect the clothing style of those who lived in the olden times. Amongst a host of garments worn, the big and colourful turbans stand out in the dresses of Rajasthani men.
Being a frontier state, Rajasthan`s people have been exposed to a sustained interaction with outsiders who entered India in consecutive migratory waves. Consequently the men`s clothing is an adaptation of numerous historical and foreign influences and is presently an amalgamation of stitched as well as unstitched garments. While most items are of native origin, elements of a definite foreign influence are also apparent. The apparel for Rajasthani men are somewhat more restrained than the women`s clothes and are still quite varied in form and texture.
Traditionally, the lower garment of Rajasthani men is the unstitched dhoti, the truly native Indian costume, or a stitched garment such as the pyjama, which is a type of trouser. Some garments related to the pyjama include the suthan, izar, shalvar or salvor, survala or sural and ghutanna. The upper garment of the Rajasthani men can include a bandi and a kurta or tunic that is commonly worn. During formal occasions men dress in the angarkha and sometimes a garment called the achkan or shervani. The turban and a draped piece of fabric around the shoulders complete the ensemble. Shawls and blankets, usually made of camel and sheep wool, are seasonal additions that are useful for warding off the biting cold of Rajasthan`s winters.
Two other upper attires for the men of Rajasthan are the jama and the choga that plays an important role of the male ensemble in the Mughal era. Although superbly tailored and ornamented, the jama and choga are now seen mostly in museums. However, it would be inaccurate to say that they have disappeared completely. Some of the influential and royal families still wear such garments, although only on ceremonial occasions. As formal wears are made of comparatively light material to suit the local climate, the jama may well have developed a cut and form of its own in the north Indian courts, especially in Rajasthan. The attire of the gentleman is incomplete without a long stole that depends on the section of society that could be an angocha or a dupatta.
The two upper garments worn by the Rajasthani men are the bandi and the angarkhi, although today the kurta is considered to be the traditional wear and takes precedence over all other garments. Among royalty and the aristocracy, garments like the jama, achkan, shervani and choga are also worn. Interestingly, the Rajasthani men have a wide range of upper garments to satisfy their sartorial tastes.
Two other such Rajasthani men garments are the chapkan and the chasuble. In addition to these are a large number of jackets like sadri, mirzai, jarji, and fatu. There are two categories of lower-garments worn by the men of Rajasthan, unstitched and stitched. The unstitched garment is often called the dhoti, while the pyjama, in all its styles and the Jodhpur-breeches are categorised under stitched garments.
The men in Rajasthan wear colourful headgears called the pagri or the turban depending upon the climatic condition of the particular region. The tradition of wearing bandhni clothes in Rajasthan, north India has been going on for time immemorial. Tie-dye drapes, dupattas and turban are common costumes for the men of Rajasthan.
