Abstract
The Sari is and has been considered the traditional clothing for the Indian woman which traces its origin to the Vedic times. In the recent years the Salwar Kameez has become an integral part of women's costume in the Indian subcontinent. Yet only a few are aware of its true origin. Even though the bifurcated and stitched garments were popularly worn during the slave dynasty, these costumes became more predominant and influential by the advent of the Mughals. The present day Salwar Kameez, also popular as one of the traditional Indian costumes today, traces back its origin to the Persian influence which was brought to India by the Mughals who followed Islam. This exchange of cultures with reference to the Salwar Kameez is an interesting aspect for study which focuses on the connection of these two different worlds. The Salwar Kameez has since then been transformed into various styles to develop it as a trendy yet comfortable costume for the modern Indian woman. The costume, once worn only by the Muslim women across the subcontinent, is now popular among the women of all faith and ages. This research aims to study the introduction of the Salwar Kameez in the Indian subcontinent and its gradual acceptance into the Indian culture. The author also studies the style adaptations of the Salwar Kameez in the various Indian states as well as in the subcontinent. The exchange of styles across the subcontinent is also studied and analyzed by the author.