Dress, Food and Amusements (800-1200) - Medieval India History Notes

During the period, there were no significant changes in men's and women's dress styles, with the dhoti and sari remaining the standard attire for men and women in most parts of the country. In northern India, men wore jackets and women wore bodices (choli). According to sculptures, upper-class men in north India wore long coats, trousers, and shoes. According to Rajatarangini, Harsha introduced into Kashmir a general dress befitting a king which included the long coat. In the winter, woollen blankets were used. While cotton was the most commonly used material, the upper classes also used silk cloth and fine muslin. In this article, we will discuss the Dress, Food and Amusements (800-1200) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Table of Contents

Dress During 800-1200
Food During 800-1200
Amusements During 800-1200
Conclusion
FAQs
MCQs

Dress

Dress During 800-1200

Both men and women enjoyed wearing ornaments, according to Arab travellers. Both men and women wore gold bracelets and earrings, some of which were set with expensive stones.
According to Chinese writer Chau Ju Kua, in Gujarat, both men and women wore double earrings and close-fitting clothes, with hoods on their heads and red shoes on their feet.
Another famous traveller, Marco Polo, claims that in Malabar, men and women wore only loincloths, including the king, and that the tailor's profession was unknown. Loin-cloth was also worn by both men and women in Quilon.
Despite their scant clothing, the kings of southern India were fond of jewellery.
According to Chau Ju Kua, the king of Malabar wore a cotton loincloth and was barefooted like his subjects, but when riding an elephant in procession, he wore a golden hat embellished with pearls and gems, as well as golden armlets and anklets.

Other Relevant Links
Trade and Commerce (800–1200)	Condition of Women (800–1200)
The Caste System (800–1200)	Education, Science and Religious Learning (800–1200)
Nature of Society (800–1200)	Religious Movements and Beliefs (800–1200)

Food

Food During 800-1200

In terms of food, while vegetarianism appeared to be the norm in many areas and among segments of the population, the leading smriti writer of the time describes at length the occasions when eating meat was permissible.
According to this, the peacock, horse, wild ass, wild cock, and wild pig were considered legal foods.

Amusements

Amusements During 800-1200

The literature of the time shows that the people of the towns enjoyed themselves. Aside from fairs and festivals, excursions to gardens, swimming parties, and so on were very popular.
Fights between different types of animals, such as rams, cocks, and so on, as well as wrestling matches, were popular among the general public.
The upper classes continued to enjoy dicing, hunting, and a type of Indian polo that was regarded as a royal pastime.

Conclusion

Arab writers praise the Indians for not using intoxicants. This, however, appears to be an idealised depiction. There are numerous references to wine drinking in period literature. Wine was consumed at ceremonial occasions such as weddings and feasts, as well as popular outings among certain classes of citizens. Even women in the king's train drank copiously. While some smriti writers forbid wine-drinking to the three upper castes, others restrict it to the Brahmans, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, with some exceptions.

Other Relevant Links
Medieval India History Notes	The Delhi Sultanate (1206-1526 AD)
Provincial Kingdoms of Deccan and Southern India	Provincial Kingdoms of Northern India
Provincial Kingdoms of Western India	Provincial Kingdoms of Eastern India
Struggle for Empire in North India Mughals and Afghans(1525–1555)	Tughlaq Dynasty (1320-1414 AD)
The Sayyid Dynasty (1414-1451 A.D.)	Lodi Dynasty (1451 to 1526)
Major Dynasties (750-1200)	Economic and Social Life, Education and Religious Beliefs (800–1200)

FAQs

Question: What were the common types of clothing in medieval India (800-1200 CE)?

Answer: In medieval India, clothing varied significantly by region, social status, and occasion. Common attire for men included dhotis, angarakhas, and kurtas, often made from cotton or silk. Women typically wore sarees, which could be draped in various styles depending on local customs. Nobility and royalty adorned themselves in luxurious fabrics such as silk and brocade, often embellished with intricate embroidery and jewelry. The use of vibrant colors and patterns reflected the diverse cultural influences present during this period.

Question: How did food practices in medieval India reflect cultural diversity?

Answer: Food practices in medieval India showcased a rich tapestry of cultural diversity influenced by regional ingredients, climate, and traditions. The use of spices was prevalent, with dishes varying from region to region. For example, North Indian cuisine featured wheat-based products such as roti and paratha, while South India favored rice and lentils. The blending of various culinary traditions occurred due to trade, conquests, and interactions among different communities, leading to the creation of unique dishes that often combined flavors and techniques from various cultures.

Question: What forms of entertainment and amusements were popular during this period?

Answer: Entertainment during medieval India included a variety of activities such as music, dance, and theatrical performances. The patronage of kings and nobles supported the arts, leading to the emergence of classical music and dance forms, including Kathak and Bharatanatyam. Festivals were grand celebrations often accompanied by processions, fairs, and games. Chess and other board games gained popularity among the elite, while folk dances and music entertained the common people, reflecting the cultural vibrancy of the time.

Question: How did trade influence the food culture in medieval India?

Answer: Trade played a significant role in shaping the food culture of medieval India by introducing new ingredients, cooking techniques, and culinary practices. The Silk Route and maritime trade routes facilitated the exchange of spices, fruits, and grains with foreign lands. For instance, the introduction of exotic spices such as pepper and cardamom enhanced the flavors of Indian cuisine. Additionally, trade allowed for the mingling of different culinary traditions, which resulted in fusion dishes that incorporated elements from various cultures, enriching the overall gastronomic landscape.

Question: What was the significance of dress and adornment in medieval Indian society?

Answer: Dress and adornment held significant cultural and social importance in medieval Indian society. Clothing styles often indicated a person's status, occupation, and regional identity. Nobility wore elaborate garments made from luxurious materials, often displaying wealth and power through intricate designs and jewelry. For common people, traditional attire reflected their cultural heritage and local customs. Additionally, certain garments and ornaments were associated with specific rituals and festivals, making dress an integral part of social and cultural expressions during this period.

MCQs

1. What type of fabric was commonly used for royal attire in medieval India?

A) Cotton
B) Wool
C) Silk
D) Linen