Aambkapad, Chira, Khun, and more – Intercultural Influences on Fabrics of the Peshwas of Pune, India

Abstract

The study of historic costumes provides deep insights on various multicultural, geographical, locational, climatic, religious, technological, and socio-economic factors that has influenced the dressing choices of particular people. While there is substantial research on the costumes of the Rajputs and Mughal rulers of India, documentation of the clothing of the various rulers of the western Indian state of Maharashtra has been limited. The objective of this study was to provide insights into the prevalent textiles used to make the costumes of the Maratha Peshwas through a hundred-year-old dominance of the eighteenth and nineteenth century. The research aimed to also identify intercultural influence of other prevailing dynasties on the costume of the Peshwas. Using a socio-cultural history-based qualitative research approach with a combination of visual and textual modes of information collection, Peshwa costumes have been studied through in-depth interviews, artifact study, study of folk literature and historical records along with a firm grounding of historical context to corroborate the findings. This paper highlights the fabrics that were used to make the costumes and accessories of the Peshwa men and women. Influences of Rajput Mughal and Nizam cultures on Peshwa costumes has also been studied.