Draped garments have been worn in the Indian subcontinent from early civilizations to the present day. Over the centuries they have undergone innumerable fashion transformations. Many of the styles in which Indian women today drape their saris were developed in the 19th century under colonialism, when drapes were most numerous and indicative of caste. During the 20th century, a large proportion of Indian men have begun wearing cut and sewn garments, in either Indian or European-influenced styles. In contrast, the larger proportion of Indian women wear draped garments, with the addition of cut and sewn blouses and petticoats.
Cases display ancient statuettes or Indian dolls.
On the walls you can see hanging saris, paintings, photographs, and other documents related to saris. You are greeted by a Bengali sari draped on a body form. Some of these styles of draping are very complex. We can recognize social, cultural, or religious differences through dress. In India both the sari textile and sari drape give clues to the identity of the wearer.