The lehenga choli is one of the most popular ethnic outfits worn by women in India. With its roots dating back centuries, the gorgeous lehenga choli has evolved over the ages while retaining its cultural significance and beauty.
Origins of the Lehenga Choli
The lehenga is believed to have originated during the 10th century in the region around the Punjab and Gujarat area. During this time, women wore long skirts called lehngas that were tied at the waist. These were paired with a choli or a blouse that covered the upper body. Over the centuries, the lehenga and choli developed in different regions adopting distinct styles.
Around the 15th century, the lehenga took a more structured form in Rajasthan and was worn by Rajput women along with the choli. The colorful and heavily embroidered Rajasthani lehengas became symbolic of the region’s craftsmanship. During the Mughal era from the 16th to 18th century, the lehenga was worn with a short choli and a dupatta (long veil) called the gharara suit. The gharara had panels like a skirt giving it a voluminous appearance.
Evolution of the Lehenga Choli
During the British colonial period in the 19th century, women especially in urban areas started wearing more westernized clothing. The traditional lehenga choli became less popular during this time. However, in rural parts of India, ethnic clothing including the lehenga choli continued to be the norm.
Around the early 20th century, the lehenga-choli began to gain prominence again as a ceremonial costume and wedding outfit. Different regional styles of the lehenga choli could be seen during this time across India. The Maharashtrian paithani silk saree was sometimes stitched as a lehenga with a choli and dupatta. Chanderi and Maheshwari silk lehengas became popular in Central India. The Kalamkari lehengas with hand painted designs became statement pieces in South India.
Modern Lehenga Choli
Over the past few decades, the lehenga choli has made a big comeback in Indian ethnic fashion. Contemporary designs have made the lehenga choli more versatile to suit modern sensibilities. From elegant georgette and chiffon lehengas to grand velvet and silk ones with intricate zardozi work, there are options for every bride and fashionista today.
The lehenga skirt has gotten shorter and lighter compared to traditional long flared skirts. Cropped, sleeveless and even backless cholis have become a rage. Lehenga sarees which are half saree-half lehenga are also a clever new take on the outfit. With changing times, the evergreen lehenga choli continues to get reinvented while retaining its essence and beauty through the ages.