The sherwani, a traditional outfit of the Indian Subcontinent, is an elegant garment traditionally worn by men. The sherwani is worn in various styles in different regions and countries. The Indian subcontinent historically represented royalty and today remains one of the most iconic symbols of Indian fashion. It is made from silk or cotton and can be worn with various shirts, called kurtas. On special occasions such as weddings and festivals, it is also embroidered with gold or silver thread. From its origin to its modern-day use, this article explores the history of the sherwani from Mughal to the modern-day.
What is a sherwani?
A sherwani is a long, loose-fitting tunic with wide sleeves and a high collar. The sherwani can be worn in different styles, including tiered kurta, shalwar kameez, and an overcoat. The Indian subcontinent historically represented royalty and today remains one of the most iconic symbols of Indian fashion. It is made from silk or cotton and can be worn with various shirts called kurtas. The sherwani will also be embroidered with gold or silver thread on special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
The Sherwani in Mughal Times
In the Indian Subcontinent, it was worn by Mughal rulers in Mughal times. The word sherwani is derived from the Sanskrit word sherwaan, which means "silk." In India and Nepal, a sherwani is traditionally made of silk, and it is typically worn with a shirt called a kurta. The outfit can be embroidered with gold or silver thread on special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
During the Mughal period (1526-1858), men wore a sherwani outfit with a long tunic and pants called a lungi wrapped around their waist and tucked into their boot tops. This outfit was also used as an undergarment for men who wished to wear multiple layers of clothing in hot weather. The dishdashas were loose-fitting tunics usually worn over the sherwani and accompanied by matching pajamas.
The Sherwani in British India
The sherwani was first worn in the Indian subcontinent by Mughal royalty. The word sherwani is derived from the Persian word Sherwan, which refers to a tunic made from cotton. Initially, it was only worn by men. Still, the sari and ghagra emerged in India, which became more popular than the sherwani among women due to their ability to be worn with different clothing types such as skirts leggings.
The Modern-Day Sherwani
The modern-day version of the sherwani is often worn with a shirt and not as a standalone outfit. Many different styles are worn today, but they all fall into two categories: sober or vibrant colors. Today, the traditional colors of the sherwani include navy blue, light blue, black, white, and red. In recent years, bright colors have been added to a more vibrant look.
Conclusion
The sherwani has been around for hundreds of years and is still a popular garment today. A sherwani is essentially a long shirt that is made in traditional styles. It is an item of clothing with multiple uses, depending on the era. It originally served as a robe for royalty and was made from various materials, such as silk, cotton, linen, muslin, silk, wool, and sometimes even leather. But it wasn't until the Mughal Empire that the sherwani became more formalized. The Mughal Empire was one of the most powerful empires in India's history, with a long-lasting rule from the 16th to 18th century.
The Mughals were known for their love of fine clothing and beautiful draping, which gave birth to the sherwani as we know it today. Today, the sherwani is an Indian garment still worn by many people and is often seen during special occasions such as weddings and other formal events.