What is a Takli?

• A hand spinning instrument

• A type of cloth

• A dress code

• Silk worms

What were the Sumptuary laws in France?

Give any two examples of the ways in which European dress codes were different from Indian dress codes.

Suggest reasons why women in nineteenth century India were obliged to continue wearing traditional Indian dress even when men switched over to the more convenient Western clothing. What does this show about the position of women in society?

Winston Churchill described Mahatma Gandhi as a ‘Seditious Middle Temple Lawyer’ now posing as a half naked fakir’. What provoked such a comment and what does it tell you about the symbolic strength of Mahatma Gandhiji’s dress?

Why did Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of clothing the nation in khadi appeal only to some sections of Indians?

What is a Takli?

What is Charkha?

What was a phenta?

Which wars transformed women’s clothing?

Which leader preached use of Khadi clothes for all Indians?