Early clothing of the Maurya period didn’t change much from the previous Vedic period. The garments consisted of three sections: The antariya, a rectangle of fabric that was wrapped around the waist, the kayabandh a scarf that was used to secure the antariya, and the uttariyas which was draped over the head and shoulders to cover the upper chest.¹

The materials used for these garments were wool, cotton, silk, and jute. The would be embellished with metal threads, gemstones, and glass beads.1 This was a time period where the ruling classes were concerned about making sure their citizens were happy and focused on socio-economic development.² This allowed for garments to become more luxurious and decorated.

1. Admin, (2023, May 13), The History Of Indian Fashion: The Maurya and Sunga Period, The Closeted Fashionista, https://www.closetedfashionista.com/2023/05/13/the-history-of-indian-fashion-the-maurya-and-sunga-period/
2. CBC, (Ret. 2024), Maurya Empire (322 – 185 BCE), https://cbc.gov.in/cbcdev/mauryan/mauryan.html