This book is an abridged edition of Ancient Indian Costume by the same author. It traces the evolution of costume in ancient India between 321 B.C and A.D.850, largely on the basis of archaeological sources. Each of the four chapters includes a brief social history of the specific period, its costumes, headgears and hairstyles, jewellery, textiles and dyes, and a short note on the visual art of the period. Supplemented with 79 illustrations, this edition is intended as a primer to the layperson who seeks an insight into the costume of ancient India. It will also serve as handy reference to illustration, art students, fashion designers and costume designers for film, television, and theatre. The original edition of this book has been used as a textbook in several institutions including East-West University, Honolulu.