20 April 2020
Today was a final review of our projects. All groups explained their entire process and what their idea was behind their write up’s. This project was an interesting way to understand how one would interpret a topic and what design element they would apply to it, many objects had overlapped amongst different groups, so it was very interesting to see, what different groups interpreted from the same, and what all elements they targeted .In my group, The specialisations were divided based on our interpretation in the final write up also varied in terms of ideas, It was very interesting to see how each one of us interpreted our topic and what kind of design element they related their work to since there wasn’t a lot of information we could find while researching. . All objects were selected after discussion on each and listening to each other’s ideas, gave a clear idea of which object would be best suited to one specialisation. For my write up’s, i mainly focused on the material. I had fashion design and fashion communication and styling
Akbar’s Personalized Armor:
Design Innovation
The inscription on the collar in the Nastalik script read : “ The personal garment of the emperor of lofty fortune , Akbar, Year A.H.989-CE 1518 “ The personalized Armor of Akbar is an excellent innovation because it is a great example of workmanship and the only inscribed and dated Armor of Emperor Akbar. It is made of two pieces, a breastplate and a backplate. This is an uncommon feature in Indian armour. The quality of the steel, the high water mark and the distinct damascened work indicate that the armour was manufactured with great care. The breastplate and the back plate compiled the Armor into one, the breastplate was moulded into the shape of the emperor, Akbar’s torso and high neck collar, intended to protect the throat. The Armor was very functional, protecting the warrior and being flexible to allow the mobility of man. It seems to be affordable, durable and even climate friendly all of which play a great role during a war .The materials used to make it included steel with gold which is aesthetically appealing and helped to protect Akbar. The helmet is decorated with delicate gold damascene. The helmet also has a spike at the apex, with two arm guards decorated in Koftari along the edges.
TURBAN
Indian society has been very particular about its attire. And headgear is one of the most important components of it. The commonly used word for headgear is pagadi (turban) it is several meters long single unstitched piece of cloth wrapped around the head in a variety of styles. Covering the head is an integral part of ancient Indian tradition. Gradually it attained social and religious importance and became an integral part of costume in the medieval period. Pagadis of specific colours are worn in different seasons and on particular occasions. Used throughout India, the form and style of headgear varies from place to place and community to community. Originally, the elaborate headgears were used as an additional safety measure to protect the head from adverse weather conditions. However, gradually it became a symbol of honour and pride of its wearer, his family and community The turban was said to be presented as a dress of honour to every successive ruler or king. The eldest son of the family was generally declared the King of the State after this ceremony. In Rajasthan this ceremony is known as pag dastur. Inspite of such particular and strong minded Hindus fought with great valour to maintain the glorious heritage, pride and honour of India i.e. Turban/Pugree. Particularly the Sikhs in Punjab – who mostly came from the Hindu families – had to bear untold and most inhuman atrocities to save the heritage and honour of the Hindu religion and the custom of wearing turban /Pugree Guru Gobind Singhji, gave a fresh definition to Pugree as he augmented the visionary concept of ‘Khalsa’ which was to fight against the Muslim on slaught and re-establish the lost pride. The Head-dress remains the symbol of pride and the regality of its nature and the pride of the battle field. With passage of time the concept went beyond the ‘Martial’ race called Khalsa and became a vibrant cultural symbol of Sikh which has spread all over the world.
ISDI CHRONICLES 