Synopsis The book traces the evolution of the indigenous Indian costume in the ancient and medieval times (from the seventh century BC to the early sixteenth century). With numerous illustrations of varieties of costumes worn by people of various classes at different times, the work emphasises on ancient Indian costumes as depicted in ancient sculptures, the frescoes of Ajanta and Bagh, Jain manuscripts and other illustrated manuscripts. Considerable attention is given to the Central Asian costume and its adaptation to conditions in India. It includes social history of the periods under survey and visual style of the art of each period of rule. It stresses on continuity of past traditions.