antariya

Unstitched lower garment worn by men and women in ancient India, particularly during the Vedic period. It was either wrapped simply around the waist like a skirt, or pleated and tucked at the front with the other end drawn between the legs and tucked at the back. Its length — down to the knee, calf or ankle — was dependent on the wearer’s social standing. The antariya could be made of cotton, linen, muslin or silk, sometimes embroidered with gold and precious stones. It was typically secured with a kayabandh (sash) and paired with an upper garment called the uttariya. The dhoti and lehenga are derived from the antariya.