Did you know that Thamizh men and women dressed alike than different for most part of the clothing history? In association with Vitamin Stree, I illustrated three examples of gender fluid costume culture that was prevalent in ancient and medieval Thamizhagam. Read up for insights into the gender neutral history of traditional Thamizh clothing.

 

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The oldest surviving Thamizh texts composed almost 2500 years ago feature several women poets. Socio-cultural pursuits weren’t just limited to men. Much like the social roles, the costumes of Thamizh men and women didn’t vary much even up to late medieval period. Sandal wood paste was among the earliest cosmetic used by every sex in ancient Thamizh society. Men and women would also decorate their hair with flowers and use natural fragrance. Stretched earlobe piercing was a major gender neutral fashion trend especially in the kingdoms of Cholas and Pandyas. Pearl necklaces were another hot fashion trend for several centuries, worn by Thamizh people regardless of gender identities.

 

 

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In traditional Thamizh clothing, the norms of nudity itself didn’t vary between sexes. While elite women started covering their upper body with sari-drape in Northern India by late ancient period, it was an acceptable norm to leave the upper-body uncovered regardless of sex even up till the early modern history of Thamizh Nadu. Men and women dressed alike and they shared a mutual love for jewellery. Although jewellery was largely worn by every sex throughout the history of Indian subcontinent, anklets were a unique gender neutral trend in Thamizh Nadu. From the Mauryan sculptures of Sanchi and Barhut to the Satvahana arts of Amaravati and Ajanta, it is only women who are decked with anklets. However Thamizh arts depict even men wearing leg ornaments.

 

 

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Gender-neutral clothing wasn’t just a norm for royals in Thamizh history but applied even to the oppressed caste sections. Even up till the late medieval era, people covered themselves in modest animal skins, leaves, and jewellery made of sea shells and clay – however, nothing was exclusively “menswear” or “womenswear”. Men and women shared similar clothing norms and worked together in paddy fields and other social spheres.

 

Links à la Mode, November 8th, 2018

With the temperature rapidly cooling down, who’s finding themselves more prone to pressing “snooze” on their alarm clock morning after morning? Same! We can relate, which is why we are thankful for this week’s posts focusing on productivity, good habits and of course, good fashion. Take a look!

 

• • A Girl in LA: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and How I Apply Them to My Life
  • Aesthetic Distance: The Oscars Have Always Been My Super Bowl And This Year Is No Different
  • EuroAsia Fashion By Kintan: How To Pair a Wide Black Pant
  • Fashion to Live: Amelia Island Vacation Lookbook: Oversized Sweater x2 + Trousers + Block Heels
  • Have Clothes, Will Travel: 10 Beautiful, Classic Coats For Fall/Winter 2018
  • Krystin Tysire: 5 Bedtime Habits to Wake Up Feeling More Rested
  • Posh and Spicy: The Perfect Fall Dress That You Can Take From Day To Night (Nordstrom Giftcard Giveaway)
  • Purushu Arie: Diet Influencer is Calling Out Paid Influence Bot Following
  • Saccharine Soul: How to Wear a Leopard Print Dress in Fall
  • Sifa’s Corner: The Only Boots I’m Wearing This Fall: SAS Shoes Maddy Ankle Boots

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