Habit of a Lady of Indostan

by Thomas Jefferys

Published by Thomas Jefferys in 1757, this print gives us an insight into the elegance of attire worn by Indian aristocrats in the middle of the 18th century.

In this illustration we see the graceful figure of a lady dressed in traditional peshwaz – high-waisted loose fitting muslin dress which is worn over tight fitting pyjamas (trousers). The woman is also wearing a veil (dupatta) that covers her head and shoulders. As mentioned earlier, this print provides us with information regarding the beautiful fabrics used in the creation of Mughal dresses.

Thomas Jefferys worked as a Geographer to King George III and his mission was to document the ethnographical diversity of different nations. Although most of his work reflected his interpretation of Eastern clothes, this specific plate reflects an important period in history where the East India Company-era Britain and Mughal India interacted culturally.