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{{short description|Shoulder cloth}}<br />
[[File:MylaiTamizhSangam.jpg|thumb|right|Tamil Brahmins (Iyers and Iyengars) in traditional mantras ''veshti'' and ''angavastram'' at a convention of the Mylai Tamil Sangam, c. 1930s]]<br />
An '''''angavastra''''' (plural, ''angavastram'', {{langx|sa|अङ्गवस्त्रम्}}) is a shoulder cloth or stole worn by men in [[India]], especially in [[Maharashtra]] and [[South India]]. It is a single, rectangular piece of fabric and may have decorated borders. An angavastra may be worn with a [[dhoti]] and [[kurta]]. An angavastra may be offered as a mark of respect to guests, elders and [[gurus]].<ref>{{cite journal |title=Rátnagiri and Sávantvádi |journal=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency |date=1880 |volume=10 |page=112 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mpBIAQAAMAAJ |access-date=10 May 2021}}</ref><br />
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== Style and use ==<br />
Angavastra is a simple loose garment, usually paired or matching with dhoti color, draped over the shoulders. It is a traditional wear of South India and a profound fashion statement.<br />
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Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] wore ''karai veshti'' [[dhoti]], [[kurta]], and angavastram, the traditional attire during his visit to Arjuna's Penance, [[Krishna's Butterball]], the [[Pancha Rathas]], and [[Shore Temple]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-11|title=Veshti-Shirt-Angavastram; PM Modi dons the traditional Tamil Nadu outfit for Jinping meet|url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/veshti-shirt-angavastram-pm-modi-dons-the-traditional-tamil-nadu-outfit-for-jinping-meet-2239658.html|access-date=2021-01-22|website=Zee News|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=veshti: Latest News & Videos, Photos about veshti {{!}} The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/topic/veshti|access-date=2021-01-22|website=The Economic Times}}</ref> A weaver from [[Varanasi]] designed and wove a special [[silk]] angavastram incorporating Buddhist mantras for Narendra Modi.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title=Special 'angavastram' awaits PM Modi in Varanasi|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=776342|access-date=2021-01-22|website=www.daijiworld.com}}</ref><br />
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== History ==<br />
[[File:Little monk in Sri Sri Auniati satra.jpg|thumb|150px|Young monk in the Auniati Satra, dressed in a white cotton [[:en:Dhoti|dothi]] and angavastra]]<br />
The angavastram, a traditional garment worn by men in parts of South India and Maharashtra, has a long history rooted in Indian culture. This unstitched, rectangular piece of fabric is draped over the torso and shoulder, serving practical and symbolic purposes. The origins of the angavastram can be traced back to ancient times. It is believed to have evolved from the [[uttariya]], a similar garment worn around the shoulders or waist, as evidenced by sculptures found at historical sites such as Sanchi and Amaravati. The word "angavastram" is derived from [[Sanskrit]], meaning "cloth for the body," reflecting its fundamental purpose.<br />
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Historically, the angavastram was typically made of handspun cotton yarn, crafted using simple machinery. With the industrialization of the textile industry, production methods evolved. While cotton remains popular for everyday wear, silk angavastrams are often used for religious and formal occasions. The use of raw matka silk is particularly preferred for religious leaders and practitioners.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.utsavpedia.com/attires/angavastram-thundu/|title=Information About Silk Dhoti and Angavastram|date=2017-03-19|publisher=Utsavpedia|access-date=2024-07-11}}</ref><br />
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In recent years, the angavastram has gained recognition beyond its traditional contexts. Some educational institutions in India have adopted it as part of their convocation attire, replacing colonial-era black robes. For example, in 2023, the [[Delhi University|University of Delhi]] announced its decision to use angavastrams for its 99th convocation ceremony, citing a desire to move away from colonial influences.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-culture/delhi-university-angavastra-convocation-8426418/|title=Delhi University to replace robes with angavastra for convocation: Why are robes and caps worn at graduation?|date=2023-02-17|publisher=The Indian Express|access-date=2024-07-11}}</ref><br />
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Despite its long history, the basic design and purpose of the angavastram have remained largely unchanged. It continues to be an important symbol of Indian culture, representing both tradition and practicality in modern times.<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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{{Clothing in South Asia}}<br />
{{Folk costume}}<br />
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[[Category:Hindu religious clothing]]<br />
[[Category:Indian clothing]]<br />
[[Category:Indian clothing by state or union territory]]<br />
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