Habit of a Lady of Indostan

by Thomas Jefferys

Through the eyes of Thomas Jefferys, a British cartographer and engraver in the eighteenth century, this particular plate represents the "Habit of a Lady of Indostan." The design emphasizes the fluidity of the silhouette and elaborate layering that would be found in elite clothing within the Indian region.

In the image, we see the graceful lines of the peshwaz (high-waisted long-sleeved dress) worn by the Indian lady, accompanied by her paijama (baggy trousers). Each stroke of the engraving captures the elegance and mystery that Europeans associated with fabrics such as silk, muslin, and gold embroidery, giving the plate a significance beyond that of merely depicting cultural dress.