Threads in Reform: The Transformation of Women’s Dress in Colonial Bengal

During the colonial period, Bengal experienced many social and cultural changes due to the influence of Western education and values. One significant area of change was in the way women dressed. Traditionally, Bengali women wore a simple saree, often without any garments underneath, which was not always considered modest or practical—especially for appearing in public. With the growth of new ideas about women’s roles in society, many reformers and women themselves began to rethink the question of appropriate clothing. Some adopted blouses, petticoats, and even gowns. Others developed new ways of draping the saree, such as the ‘Brahmika saree’, which balanced modesty, mobility, and cultural identity. This period marked the beginning of a new awareness among women about their appearance, respectability, and role in society.