Invading the Indian subcontinent in the 14th century, the Mughal Empire reached its zenith in the 17th century, with its heartlands centered around the cities of Lahore, Delhi, and Agra. Known for their higher standard of living and artistic approach, fashion and foppishness remained a pleasure for the privileged. However, the wealthy and powerful people embraced their wealth and accepted the challenge of investing in the textiles, handlooms, jewellery, and more, which eventually became a status symbol and now a heritage gift.
One such name, Akbar - the third emperor of the Mughal empire, was known for his grandeur and reigned from 1556 to 1605. Wielding great power and influence over the entire nation, Akbar was a prominent patron of art, religion, and fashion. His distinctive sartorial style and personality continue to be talked-about to date.
Akbar’s ethnic wardrobe
Despite his wealth, one of the most popular emperors of India was said to be a simple man at heart. During his resting hours, he was fond of comfortable things and included more shawls. He preferred wearing the Dorukha shawls, which had two or double sides with the same embroidery and detailing. Kashmiri artisans initially created these iconic shawls, which the emperor can be seen wearing in most of the paintings he commissioned.
His custom-made clothes from the ancient era marked a distinct style. Akbar wore a small rounded turban with the front studded with precious stones, making him the mark of prestige, wealth, honour, and authority. He used to opt for knee-length straight-fit kurtas with mid-slits, which had great Kashmiri nakkashi’ and golden zari work. Embracing the designs of Chintz, Banarasi, Pashmina, and more, he used to wear a long structured jacket, which resembled more like the modern-day men’s sherwani. Almost all of his outfits had detailed embroidery of zari and Kundan that brought out his majesty’s regal persona to the forefront.
Royal jewellery designs
According to several historical artifacts found from that period and during his reign, the emperor wore neat pearls around his neck with a matching waistband which also had studded emeralds and ruby stones. Akbar adorned his vanity to show power and prestige and used to fill his hands with stunning rings, which used to be spectacular but heavy.
Modern-day appeal
Besides the historical accounts that exuded a grandiose energy of his personality, his style of clothing found a place in Indian culture and fashion, with several films and television shows reminiscing about his reign. Filmmakers and historians have consistently depicted him as a divine figure, adorned with exquisite ornaments and attire that distinguished him from other Mughal rulers.
In 2008, Indian film director Ashutosh Gowariker created a periodic film named ‘ Jodhaa Akbar ’ starring Hrithik Roshan as Emperor Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Princess Jodhaa. The makers perfectly captured the emperor's stately mannerisms and dress code, showcasing regal authenticity and paying justice to their roles. It went on to become Indian cinema’s most epic cinematic experience and is still cherished by many.
Akbar stood to be a major source of inspiration even today for several designers, as playing with vintage ornaments and styling them has become a fashion aesthetic, which is appealing to the crowd. In today’s world, extravagant sherwanis with zari embroidery and Kundan detailing are a popular choice during the wedding season. Akbar’s change of attire was more than just a way of dressing, it talks all about his so-called wisdom and beneficence.
One such name, Akbar - the third emperor of the Mughal empire, was known for his grandeur and reigned from 1556 to 1605. Wielding great power and influence over the entire nation, Akbar was a prominent patron of art, religion, and fashion. His distinctive sartorial style and personality continue to be talked-about to date.
Akbar’s ethnic wardrobe
Despite his wealth, one of the most popular emperors of India was said to be a simple man at heart. During his resting hours, he was fond of comfortable things and included more shawls. He preferred wearing the Dorukha shawls, which had two or double sides with the same embroidery and detailing. Kashmiri artisans initially created these iconic shawls, which the emperor can be seen wearing in most of the paintings he commissioned.
His custom-made clothes from the ancient era marked a distinct style. Akbar wore a small rounded turban with the front studded with precious stones, making him the mark of prestige, wealth, honour, and authority. He used to opt for knee-length straight-fit kurtas with mid-slits, which had great Kashmiri nakkashi’ and golden zari work. Embracing the designs of Chintz, Banarasi, Pashmina, and more, he used to wear a long structured jacket, which resembled more like the modern-day men’s sherwani. Almost all of his outfits had detailed embroidery of zari and Kundan that brought out his majesty’s regal persona to the forefront.
Royal jewellery designs
According to several historical artifacts found from that period and during his reign, the emperor wore neat pearls around his neck with a matching waistband which also had studded emeralds and ruby stones. Akbar adorned his vanity to show power and prestige and used to fill his hands with stunning rings, which used to be spectacular but heavy.
Modern-day appeal
Besides the historical accounts that exuded a grandiose energy of his personality, his style of clothing found a place in Indian culture and fashion, with several films and television shows reminiscing about his reign. Filmmakers and historians have consistently depicted him as a divine figure, adorned with exquisite ornaments and attire that distinguished him from other Mughal rulers.
In 2008, Indian film director Ashutosh Gowariker created a periodic film named ‘ Jodhaa Akbar ’ starring Hrithik Roshan as Emperor Akbar and Aishwarya Rai as Princess Jodhaa. The makers perfectly captured the emperor's stately mannerisms and dress code, showcasing regal authenticity and paying justice to their roles. It went on to become Indian cinema’s most epic cinematic experience and is still cherished by many.
Akbar stood to be a major source of inspiration even today for several designers, as playing with vintage ornaments and styling them has become a fashion aesthetic, which is appealing to the crowd. In today’s world, extravagant sherwanis with zari embroidery and Kundan detailing are a popular choice during the wedding season. Akbar’s change of attire was more than just a way of dressing, it talks all about his so-called wisdom and beneficence.
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