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RAFIQA SULTANA, AFROZ SULTANA
SAMBODHI-PURĀTATTVA
in Benares.
Fur too was made during this period and was exported to various countries. The Kings wore Dhoti, Duppattta, Turban and Tunics made of silk whereas the farmers wore Loincloth of flax. The soldiers guarding the king's palace wore coats. The middle class people of south wore loin cloth an
The characteristic apparels of Gandhara sculptures from the 2th to 3th century A.D. can be gauged from the specially standing and seated Buddha perfectly reflecting the essential nature of Gandhara art, A religious and an aesthetic element drawn from widely different cultures brought together. The garments of Gandhara sculptures are 'Usnisa' means peak top by extension even 'a turban' but the Buddhas' Usnisa' almost certainly derivers from the top knot or chignon in which the uncut hair. Buddha wore a turban, the same kind that Sikhs wear today. The upper garment is like a robe that is unstiched. It has heavy folds; giving plastic effects. These folds look like semi circular lines. Sometimes upper garments give an effect of the Roman toga which too is semicircular. Plain rectangular piece of cloth i.e. the Samghati the monk's upper garment. All these garments are common in Buddha sculptures; specially found in Boddhisattva. i.e. standing & seated Buddha. Most important sculptures are Gandhara 2nd to 3rd century AD in Berlin museum. (J. C. Harie 1994).
Apparels of Kushan Period (Late 1st century to 3rd century A.D.)
According to Chinese historical sources, the Yueh-chin one branch called Kuei-Shugng, or the Kusanas (Kushanas). This dynasty dominated the region of Northern India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, & U.S.S.R. They spread Buddhism. Kushan was the nuturing & dissemination of Buddhist cults. Kushan art of garb in India i.e. Mathura, Kausambi, Sarnath, Ahirchatra etc. The style of Kushan dresses were very varied. they wore heavy, flair, folds & thin pleated tunics & robes as upper garments & Dhoti as a lower garment. as seen by many life size sculptures found in different parts of the Kushan region. There were different category costumes in this era i.e. Royal, Religious formal & army. Royal costumes were tunic, robe decorated with pearls and gems. The royal drapery was of heavy long pleats, its ridges were folded. This was a typical Kushan fashion. Most of their costumes were pleated, folds & unstitched. The royal apparels were identified as being of foreign rather than Indic style. The sculpture of king Vemataksumasya
