Dress, Ornaments, Food, Drinks and Amusements of Goa | Goa State PSC (GPSC) Preparation - GPSC (Goa) PDF Download

 Page 1


Dress, Ornaments, Food, Drinks and Amusements  
Dress and Ornaments worn by the people indicates their 
aesthetic sense. The geographical factors also play on 
important role in shaping the human civilisation. In respect 
of dress also the geographical factors cannot be ignored. Goa 
being a coastal area, has humid climate. Therefore, cotton 
clothes were sufficient. 
Dress of Royalty 
Kings and the noblemen were dhoti to cover the lower part 
of the body. The word dhoti or Dhotar has its origin in 
Sanskrit. The word dhaute meant washed and the noun component 
vastra meaning clothes. Thus the word dhotra or dhotar has 
origin in dhauta. 1  The dhoti was either of silk or cotton. But 
soldiers from Goa and Karnataka had their thick loin cloth 
upto the kneejoints to serve like shorts. 2  The soldiers 
depicted on hero—stone tally with the above description of the 
soldiers furnished in Yasatilaka. 3  
The kings of the dynasties who ruled Goa were generally 
fond of hunting. Particularly, the references to the Kadamba 
King killing tiger are available. Marcella copper plate as 
well as Degave inscription mentions king killing the tiger.4 
Page 2


Dress, Ornaments, Food, Drinks and Amusements  
Dress and Ornaments worn by the people indicates their 
aesthetic sense. The geographical factors also play on 
important role in shaping the human civilisation. In respect 
of dress also the geographical factors cannot be ignored. Goa 
being a coastal area, has humid climate. Therefore, cotton 
clothes were sufficient. 
Dress of Royalty 
Kings and the noblemen were dhoti to cover the lower part 
of the body. The word dhoti or Dhotar has its origin in 
Sanskrit. The word dhaute meant washed and the noun component 
vastra meaning clothes. Thus the word dhotra or dhotar has 
origin in dhauta. 1  The dhoti was either of silk or cotton. But 
soldiers from Goa and Karnataka had their thick loin cloth 
upto the kneejoints to serve like shorts. 2  The soldiers 
depicted on hero—stone tally with the above description of the 
soldiers furnished in Yasatilaka. 3  
The kings of the dynasties who ruled Goa were generally 
fond of hunting. Particularly, the references to the Kadamba 
King killing tiger are available. Marcella copper plate as 
well as Degave inscription mentions king killing the tiger.4 
102 
During the hunting expedition, the Kings wore jacket, a 
longcoat which must have fitted the chest closely which was 
loose over the lower part of the body. Black wrapper 
(upadhara) and the green trouser (dvipadi.) formed the hunter's 
dress which act as a camouflage in the forest. During the 
summer soft attractive and light clothes were used. 5  
Dress of the Royal Women  
The Narendra inscription belonging to the reign or 
Jayakesi mention the provision for the Governor of the women's 
quarters, Master of the robes, High Chamberlain of Mailal 
Mahadevi. 6  It is evident from the above inscription that the 
ladies of the royalty paid considerable importance to the 
dress and ornaments. 
The women from the royal families were Saris and this 
word has origins in Tamil word Siri, Silai and Silai which 
means woven stuff. 7  The Bgri worn by the women of the Deccan 
from about c. 1000 A.D. is generally nine yards in length and 
about fifty two inches in width. 8  In Marathi SFri is called 
as also lugadi and this word occurs in the copper plate of 
Khandepar. 9  This clearly indicates that the word lugade was 
also current in Goa. 
There were regional varieties in sporting $Wri y. in ancient 
medieval India)  about five decades earlier, the Sakachcha  
style of Sari was common among the women of the higher 
Page 3


Dress, Ornaments, Food, Drinks and Amusements  
Dress and Ornaments worn by the people indicates their 
aesthetic sense. The geographical factors also play on 
important role in shaping the human civilisation. In respect 
of dress also the geographical factors cannot be ignored. Goa 
being a coastal area, has humid climate. Therefore, cotton 
clothes were sufficient. 
Dress of Royalty 
Kings and the noblemen were dhoti to cover the lower part 
of the body. The word dhoti or Dhotar has its origin in 
Sanskrit. The word dhaute meant washed and the noun component 
vastra meaning clothes. Thus the word dhotra or dhotar has 
origin in dhauta. 1  The dhoti was either of silk or cotton. But 
soldiers from Goa and Karnataka had their thick loin cloth 
upto the kneejoints to serve like shorts. 2  The soldiers 
depicted on hero—stone tally with the above description of the 
soldiers furnished in Yasatilaka. 3  
The kings of the dynasties who ruled Goa were generally 
fond of hunting. Particularly, the references to the Kadamba 
King killing tiger are available. Marcella copper plate as 
well as Degave inscription mentions king killing the tiger.4 
102 
During the hunting expedition, the Kings wore jacket, a 
longcoat which must have fitted the chest closely which was 
loose over the lower part of the body. Black wrapper 
(upadhara) and the green trouser (dvipadi.) formed the hunter's 
dress which act as a camouflage in the forest. During the 
summer soft attractive and light clothes were used. 5  
Dress of the Royal Women  
The Narendra inscription belonging to the reign or 
Jayakesi mention the provision for the Governor of the women's 
quarters, Master of the robes, High Chamberlain of Mailal 
Mahadevi. 6  It is evident from the above inscription that the 
ladies of the royalty paid considerable importance to the 
dress and ornaments. 
The women from the royal families were Saris and this 
word has origins in Tamil word Siri, Silai and Silai which 
means woven stuff. 7  The Bgri worn by the women of the Deccan 
from about c. 1000 A.D. is generally nine yards in length and 
about fifty two inches in width. 8  In Marathi SFri is called 
as also lugadi and this word occurs in the copper plate of 
Khandepar. 9  This clearly indicates that the word lugade was 
also current in Goa. 
There were regional varieties in sporting $Wri y. in ancient 
medieval India)  about five decades earlier, the Sakachcha  
style of Sari was common among the women of the higher 
103 
classes. The hind pleats of dhoti as well as sari are called 
kach(nire). This word is derived from Sanskrit kaksha. The 
word nire (pleats) has origins in the Kannada word nirige. The 
Sakachchha s- a -Yi is so draped in such a way that is caught 
between the legs in a broad hanging fold tuck closely at the 
back. This was style of sari worn in Sakachchha style." 
However, Sakachchha sari is depicted on the female sculptures 
belonging to the post 10th century A.D. The Deccan seem to 
have borrowed this fashion from central India. 11  
Besides the two types of sari described above, the women 
editi . 001 
of post Muslim/were the garment called langha . 
.ed In Goa and 
Maharashtra it is also called Parka .r. Langha is a waist cloth 
joined at both ends with a band sewn at the top through which 
cord passes for fastening langh-d. The langha and Parkar belong 
to the same type of lower garment of the worrier -1. 12 	 The ghagrW 
A 
having multiple vertical plates are depicted on the herostones 
L- 
and 
an unidentified stone sculpture from Margaon displayed in 
the State Museum of Goa. For covering the upper part of the 
body, women used (Kanchuki) or (Kurpasaka) This had no button 
or hook but it was knotted below the breasts. 13  
Dress of the Brahmins and other communities  
The Bsrahmin women in Goa used Vikachcha type of sari and 
perhaps Kanchuki. Men were dhoti .. After c. 1000 A.D. 
-omon 
Page 4


Dress, Ornaments, Food, Drinks and Amusements  
Dress and Ornaments worn by the people indicates their 
aesthetic sense. The geographical factors also play on 
important role in shaping the human civilisation. In respect 
of dress also the geographical factors cannot be ignored. Goa 
being a coastal area, has humid climate. Therefore, cotton 
clothes were sufficient. 
Dress of Royalty 
Kings and the noblemen were dhoti to cover the lower part 
of the body. The word dhoti or Dhotar has its origin in 
Sanskrit. The word dhaute meant washed and the noun component 
vastra meaning clothes. Thus the word dhotra or dhotar has 
origin in dhauta. 1  The dhoti was either of silk or cotton. But 
soldiers from Goa and Karnataka had their thick loin cloth 
upto the kneejoints to serve like shorts. 2  The soldiers 
depicted on hero—stone tally with the above description of the 
soldiers furnished in Yasatilaka. 3  
The kings of the dynasties who ruled Goa were generally 
fond of hunting. Particularly, the references to the Kadamba 
King killing tiger are available. Marcella copper plate as 
well as Degave inscription mentions king killing the tiger.4 
102 
During the hunting expedition, the Kings wore jacket, a 
longcoat which must have fitted the chest closely which was 
loose over the lower part of the body. Black wrapper 
(upadhara) and the green trouser (dvipadi.) formed the hunter's 
dress which act as a camouflage in the forest. During the 
summer soft attractive and light clothes were used. 5  
Dress of the Royal Women  
The Narendra inscription belonging to the reign or 
Jayakesi mention the provision for the Governor of the women's 
quarters, Master of the robes, High Chamberlain of Mailal 
Mahadevi. 6  It is evident from the above inscription that the 
ladies of the royalty paid considerable importance to the 
dress and ornaments. 
The women from the royal families were Saris and this 
word has origins in Tamil word Siri, Silai and Silai which 
means woven stuff. 7  The Bgri worn by the women of the Deccan 
from about c. 1000 A.D. is generally nine yards in length and 
about fifty two inches in width. 8  In Marathi SFri is called 
as also lugadi and this word occurs in the copper plate of 
Khandepar. 9  This clearly indicates that the word lugade was 
also current in Goa. 
There were regional varieties in sporting $Wri y. in ancient 
medieval India)  about five decades earlier, the Sakachcha  
style of Sari was common among the women of the higher 
103 
classes. The hind pleats of dhoti as well as sari are called 
kach(nire). This word is derived from Sanskrit kaksha. The 
word nire (pleats) has origins in the Kannada word nirige. The 
Sakachchha s- a -Yi is so draped in such a way that is caught 
between the legs in a broad hanging fold tuck closely at the 
back. This was style of sari worn in Sakachchha style." 
However, Sakachchha sari is depicted on the female sculptures 
belonging to the post 10th century A.D. The Deccan seem to 
have borrowed this fashion from central India. 11  
Besides the two types of sari described above, the women 
editi . 001 
of post Muslim/were the garment called langha . 
.ed In Goa and 
Maharashtra it is also called Parka .r. Langha is a waist cloth 
joined at both ends with a band sewn at the top through which 
cord passes for fastening langh-d. The langha and Parkar belong 
to the same type of lower garment of the worrier -1. 12 	 The ghagrW 
A 
having multiple vertical plates are depicted on the herostones 
L- 
and 
an unidentified stone sculpture from Margaon displayed in 
the State Museum of Goa. For covering the upper part of the 
body, women used (Kanchuki) or (Kurpasaka) This had no button 
or hook but it was knotted below the breasts. 13  
Dress of the Brahmins and other communities  
The Bsrahmin women in Goa used Vikachcha type of sari and 
perhaps Kanchuki. Men were dhoti .. After c. 1000 A.D. 
-omon 
104 
Sakachchha saris were worn the Saraswat by women. Kanchukis 
were used for covering the upper part of the body. Different 
types of textiles were imported from different places to Goa. 
Goa had maritime contacts with the well known textile 
manufacturing centres of South India such as Poddalapur. 
chitrapalli, Nagapattana, Chola country. Tondaimandala, 
SriLanka, Analilwana in, Gujrat, Kalinga and Vanga from the 
period of the Bhojas. However, the inscriptions of the Goa 
Kadambas bear testimony to the commercial contacts with the 
above countries. 14  The fine textile might have constituted 
the imports. 
The Saraswat Brahmin during the Southern Silahara and the 
Kadamba period were well established. However, it seems that 
they were not spending sizable amount on their dress. A 
Konkani saying mention that "Brahmin cap does not fit you. 
Konkani women, you do not know how to dress. You can hide your 
thigh with small robe and you have your limbs bare even when 
your robe is full-sized." 15  It seems that the non Saraswats 
had coined the aforesaid Konkani saying about the dress of the 
Saraswats. 
For covering the upper part of the body, men were 
13-8-r-Abandi or bWriikasi.  This was provided with six pairs of 
strings or tapes to fasten it in place." The description of 
the Jesuit who was in Goa furnishes the description or the 
money lenders with barabandi squatting on the roads of Goa.17. 
Page 5


Dress, Ornaments, Food, Drinks and Amusements  
Dress and Ornaments worn by the people indicates their 
aesthetic sense. The geographical factors also play on 
important role in shaping the human civilisation. In respect 
of dress also the geographical factors cannot be ignored. Goa 
being a coastal area, has humid climate. Therefore, cotton 
clothes were sufficient. 
Dress of Royalty 
Kings and the noblemen were dhoti to cover the lower part 
of the body. The word dhoti or Dhotar has its origin in 
Sanskrit. The word dhaute meant washed and the noun component 
vastra meaning clothes. Thus the word dhotra or dhotar has 
origin in dhauta. 1  The dhoti was either of silk or cotton. But 
soldiers from Goa and Karnataka had their thick loin cloth 
upto the kneejoints to serve like shorts. 2  The soldiers 
depicted on hero—stone tally with the above description of the 
soldiers furnished in Yasatilaka. 3  
The kings of the dynasties who ruled Goa were generally 
fond of hunting. Particularly, the references to the Kadamba 
King killing tiger are available. Marcella copper plate as 
well as Degave inscription mentions king killing the tiger.4 
102 
During the hunting expedition, the Kings wore jacket, a 
longcoat which must have fitted the chest closely which was 
loose over the lower part of the body. Black wrapper 
(upadhara) and the green trouser (dvipadi.) formed the hunter's 
dress which act as a camouflage in the forest. During the 
summer soft attractive and light clothes were used. 5  
Dress of the Royal Women  
The Narendra inscription belonging to the reign or 
Jayakesi mention the provision for the Governor of the women's 
quarters, Master of the robes, High Chamberlain of Mailal 
Mahadevi. 6  It is evident from the above inscription that the 
ladies of the royalty paid considerable importance to the 
dress and ornaments. 
The women from the royal families were Saris and this 
word has origins in Tamil word Siri, Silai and Silai which 
means woven stuff. 7  The Bgri worn by the women of the Deccan 
from about c. 1000 A.D. is generally nine yards in length and 
about fifty two inches in width. 8  In Marathi SFri is called 
as also lugadi and this word occurs in the copper plate of 
Khandepar. 9  This clearly indicates that the word lugade was 
also current in Goa. 
There were regional varieties in sporting $Wri y. in ancient 
medieval India)  about five decades earlier, the Sakachcha  
style of Sari was common among the women of the higher 
103 
classes. The hind pleats of dhoti as well as sari are called 
kach(nire). This word is derived from Sanskrit kaksha. The 
word nire (pleats) has origins in the Kannada word nirige. The 
Sakachchha s- a -Yi is so draped in such a way that is caught 
between the legs in a broad hanging fold tuck closely at the 
back. This was style of sari worn in Sakachchha style." 
However, Sakachchha sari is depicted on the female sculptures 
belonging to the post 10th century A.D. The Deccan seem to 
have borrowed this fashion from central India. 11  
Besides the two types of sari described above, the women 
editi . 001 
of post Muslim/were the garment called langha . 
.ed In Goa and 
Maharashtra it is also called Parka .r. Langha is a waist cloth 
joined at both ends with a band sewn at the top through which 
cord passes for fastening langh-d. The langha and Parkar belong 
to the same type of lower garment of the worrier -1. 12 	 The ghagrW 
A 
having multiple vertical plates are depicted on the herostones 
L- 
and 
an unidentified stone sculpture from Margaon displayed in 
the State Museum of Goa. For covering the upper part of the 
body, women used (Kanchuki) or (Kurpasaka) This had no button 
or hook but it was knotted below the breasts. 13  
Dress of the Brahmins and other communities  
The Bsrahmin women in Goa used Vikachcha type of sari and 
perhaps Kanchuki. Men were dhoti .. After c. 1000 A.D. 
-omon 
104 
Sakachchha saris were worn the Saraswat by women. Kanchukis 
were used for covering the upper part of the body. Different 
types of textiles were imported from different places to Goa. 
Goa had maritime contacts with the well known textile 
manufacturing centres of South India such as Poddalapur. 
chitrapalli, Nagapattana, Chola country. Tondaimandala, 
SriLanka, Analilwana in, Gujrat, Kalinga and Vanga from the 
period of the Bhojas. However, the inscriptions of the Goa 
Kadambas bear testimony to the commercial contacts with the 
above countries. 14  The fine textile might have constituted 
the imports. 
The Saraswat Brahmin during the Southern Silahara and the 
Kadamba period were well established. However, it seems that 
they were not spending sizable amount on their dress. A 
Konkani saying mention that "Brahmin cap does not fit you. 
Konkani women, you do not know how to dress. You can hide your 
thigh with small robe and you have your limbs bare even when 
your robe is full-sized." 15  It seems that the non Saraswats 
had coined the aforesaid Konkani saying about the dress of the 
Saraswats. 
For covering the upper part of the body, men were 
13-8-r-Abandi or bWriikasi.  This was provided with six pairs of 
strings or tapes to fasten it in place." The description of 
the Jesuit who was in Goa furnishes the description or the 
money lenders with barabandi squatting on the roads of Goa.17. 
105 
Dress of the common man  
The dress of the Gavdas, the Velips and the Kunbis was 
quite simple. The women of the above communities wore sari 
which reached upto the knees. It was a sakachcha  mini-sari. 
This mini-sari was quite different from the sari which was 
worn by Koli women (fisher women).The pallu of the sari worn 
by the Gavda women used to cover only the breast. This type of 
sari was called denthali."  They did not wear blouse. Both 
the arms remained uncovered. The women from the above 
communities had to work in the field. Hence, this regional 
type of sari might have developed, as a professional 
necessacity. Men from these communities cover thelower part 
of the body with a strip of loin cloth called langoti  or 
K7isti.  This langoti was fastened to the waist cord. They did 
not wear any shirt and thus they were moving barechested. In 
rainy season and during winter, men put a rough blanket on the 
head and this covered the upper part of the body. 
The parasols umbrellas were also in used in C;oa. On the 
stone sculpture of Madhavamantri, an attendant holding a 
parasol is depicted. The ordinary umbrellas used by the 
commoners were usually prepared out of the leaves and these 
were called santali. 
C Ptail, 
5o) 
Hair styles and decorations  
The girls had pigtails. On the festival occasion, these