Miniature Movement in Mumbai's Museums

It seems there is a miniature movement in Mumbai's museums! 😁

In the temporary exhibition of two important museums in the city are all about miniaturization.

The exhibition of Classic Miniature Costumes is inspired by ceremonial and every day wear attires of the Maharajas of India from the 1850-1950s.

For me as a native Persian, it was more interesting because of clothes names which are Persian and Iranian.

Usually in pure Persian cloth calls Jama, which is specifically known as a male garment.

A Jama is a male garment, with a fitted bodice and a flared skirt. It is usually a knee-length garment, with slits on the side. The bodice of the Jama was typically fastened by tie- cords on one side of the body, close to the armpits. A belt or sash (patka), was tied around the waist. The sash was also used to secure a sword.

Angarkha

 The word Angarkha is derived from the Sanskrit word, 'Angarakasaka' meaning, 'that which protects and covers the body'. It is an upper garment for men with long sleeves, fitted on the bodice and flared at the skirt, that reaches below the knees. The lower part of the Angarkha is kept open by adding gussets to the sleeves and gathering on the waist, to facilitate the movement of the body. The garment style varies from region to region according to the climate and availability of fabrics. An Angarakhi is a variant of the name of the same garment, it is of the same cut but worn short, reaching to just below the hips.

Chogha 

A Chogha is considered to be of Iranian origin and is typically a long- sleeved garment extending to below the knees. It is open from the neck downwards and is usually loosely held together across the chest by pair of decorative golden cord loops a or cloth encased buttons. In India, the Chogha was mainly a ceremonial garment, worn by the noblemen at court.

Sherwani

A Sherwani is a fitted long-sleeved garment that extends below the knees, and typically has no slits on either side. It has a high round neck and is fastened across the chest with ornate cloth buttons. The garment is said to be derived from English military garments. It continues to be popular in India for formal and festive wear.