Jodhpuri

A Jodhpuri suit (Hindi: जोधपुरी सूट) or Bandhgala is a formal evening suit from India. It originated in the Jodhpur State, and was popularized during the British Raj in India. Also known as Jodhpuri Suit,^[1][2] it is a western style suit product, with a coat and a trouser, at times accompanied by a vest. It brings together the western cut with Indian hand-embroidery escorted by the Waist coat.^[3] It is suitable for occasions such as weddings and formal gatherings.

The material can be silk or any other suiting material. Normally, the material is lined at the collar and at the buttons with embroidery. This can be plain, jacquard or jamewari material. Normally, the trousers match that of the coat. There is also a trend now to wear contrasting trousers to match the coat colour.

History

Angarkha is considered the predecessor of the Bandhgala. An angrakha was a traditional court outfit in ancient and medieval India that a person could wrap comfortably around himself, offering flexible ease with the knots and ties. Bandhgala emerged as a confluence between an Angarakha and the structured British uniform jackets, during the British Raj. Bandhgala quickly became a popular formal and semi-formal uniform across Rajasthan and eventually throughout India. A Bandgala is considered a product of interpretation of Indo-Western sartorial style.^[4]

References