When The French Made Chiffon Sarees For Indian Princesses

Words by Divya Goyal

Welcome to the Brown History Newsletter. If you’re enjoying this labor of love, please do consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your contribution would help pay the writers and illustrators and support this weekly publication. If you like to submit a writing piece, please send me a pitch by email at brownhistory1947@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to check out our SHOP and our Podcast.

This map is a digitally rendered topographic representations of South Asia (printed in 2D). In order to create these maps, Digital Elevation Data (DEM) is obtained from NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission and is processed and digitally rendered to create a highly detailed elevation profile of South Asia and printed on a flat surface. Two versions of the map are available, each with different hypsometric color overlays that highlight the difference in elevation, creating beautiful artworks. (Available as print)

---

When The French Made Chiffon Sarees For Indian Princesses

For any fan of Bollywood films, the mere mention of "chiffon" conjures up a vibrant scene - the timeless image of Sridevi draped in a chiffon saree, mesmerizing against the stunning Swiss Alps in a classic Yash Raj Films setting from movies like “Chandini” or Rekha exuding sheer grace and sophistication in “Silsila”. This feather-light fabric has become synonymous with sensuality and has seamlessly made its mark in Bollywood, especially during rainfall song sequences - whether it's the bewitching Raveena Tandon in “Mohra” or the enchanting Sridevi in “Mr India”. However, beyond its sensuous appeal, chiffon sarees have also come to symbolize royalty, epitomized by the regal Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. Famed 20^th photographer as well as an Oscar-winning stage and costume designer, Cecil Beaton, had once hailed her as among the top ten most breathtaking women in the world. The foundation of her wardrobe, which became the epitome of 20th century royal fashion, was however laid by her mother. Long before the enchanting image of Indian actresses clad in chiffon sarees became symbolic of snowy mountains or rainy settings, a fearless Indian princess named Indira Devi of Cooch Behar - and mother to Gayatri Devi - ushered in a new and transformative era in fashion.

In the tapestry of fashion history, the saga of chiffon sarees unfolds as a captivating tale of rebellion, love, and enduring elegance. Indira Devi of Cooch Behar, the princess who defied conventions for love, emerges as a pioneer who reshaped the folds of royal style. Through her forbidden love story and audacious choices, she not only rewrote her destiny but also etched a new chapter in the archives of fashion.

Sridevi in chiffon from the film Chandni

Rekha in Silsila