An Antariya () is a lower body garment from ancient India. It is a long white or coloured strip of cotton passed through the legs, tucked at the back and covering the legs loosely, then flowing into long pleats at front of the legs.
History The antariya is an ancient garment mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Hindu deities can be seen wearing the uttariya and the antariya in sculptures in the Indian subcontinent, especially in Hindu temples and other forms of iconography.
As mentioned in Buddhist Pali literature during the 6th century BC, Sari () is an evolved form of the antariya, which was one of three-piece attire worn by women during the ancient period.Prachya Pratibha, 1978 "Prachya Pratibha, Volume 6", p. 121Agam Kala Prakashan, 1991 "Costume, coiffure, and ornaments in the temple sculpture of northern Andhra", p. 118
Etymology The word antarīya is from Sanskrit. It is a compound word, consisting of the words antara (उत्तर) and suffix īya (ईय)..
Use The antariya was usually made of fine cotton or silk. It was usually used in combination with the uttariya.
Gallery
See also
Aprapadina Uttariya Sari Choli Nivi (garment)
References