Ancient Brassieres of India
I was looking for a topic both
exotic and
stimulating for a new
node that would
attract attention. I think that this might be it. Some research was required to determine dates. There's not much
material, but here it is.
The great
majority of
female figures in
ancient Indian sculpture have
bare breasts, but there is
evidence to
indicate that in some instances the women wore brassieres. The first historical reference to brassieres in India is found during the
reign of
king Harshavardhana (1st century) in
Kashmir. The half-sleeved tight
bodice or
kanchuka figures prominently in the
literature of the period. From Basavapurana (1237 A.D.), we learn that
kanchukas were worn by
young girls as well. One text mentions an aged
harlot who used a special
blouse to hold up her drooping
breasts. Tailored brassieres were popular during the Vijayanagar period, 14th century. The Leelavati Prabhanda mentions a kind of brassier prevalent in 10th century. In a medieval
sculpture from Karnataka (south-western India), a brassiere is sculpted around a deity that appears to have been made up of thick
cotton. Regularly sewn brassieres of cup-like shape are also found. some others appear to be propped up by ornaments.
Source: http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/ancient/wonderbra.htm