A very important part of the attire in S Asia is ( was ?) the Turban.
In this thread I propose to share information on turbans, something we all have seen our forefathers wear but now has lost relevance. It is still seen / worn in rural areas and in towns / cities its use has been restricted to ceremonies and functions.
A turban besides having social implications also served as a indicator of a mans social status, his status within the family and so many other things. It prevented heat / sun stroke. Most of us will recall that rarely did our elders leave the house bare headed. The nape of the neck always stayed covered something that is medically correct.
IMPORTANCE OF "PAAGH-PAAGHDI AND SAAFA" IN ANCIENT INDIAN CULTURE
(1) In ancient Indian society Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa spoke of a person's/ Individual's caste, creed, religion and sect.
(2) In ancient times through his Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa, an individual's village, town, region & country could be identified.
(3) Paag-Paaghdi & Saafa were instrumental in recognising an Individual's social,economic and political status.
(4) In ancient times Indain history also speaks of several wars fought for the pride & honour of Paagh-Paaghdi.
(5) "CHANGE THE PAAGHDI" - The history is also a witness to several occasions of exchange of 'Paaghdi' to save its peoples' life & property and to ensure the security of a particular state.
(6) An Individual's wearing of Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa symbolised his valour & to secure its pride & honourwas considered to be an act of bravery.
(7) The information regarding an individual was evident from the manner in which his Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa is tied & drapped. In ancient times, looking to an individual's Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa's sheerelegance & tightness, it could be said whether he was brave or coward, an upright man or honest or a thief.
(8) An insult of Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa was equated with the insult of its bearer - as was believed in ancient times. For its pride & honour, the history speaks of several occasions when blows of swords were exchanged for enemies blood.
(9) In ancient period Paagh-Paaghdi and Saafa were considered to be a man's prized belongings, invaluable in nature.
(10) The information of a person's death during the war for the country's honour was symbolized when a Paagh-Paaghdi of that person was brought with full state honours from the battle field.
(12) In the present age, 'Paaghdi' has acquired importance in terms of paying "paaghdi" to acquire somespace or shope for business.