Kaftan : The Robe of Honour in Indian Culture

Representing the Kaftan or robe of honour to everyone present in the court was one the important customs practised by the Mughals. Although this introduced in India by some of the Muslim rulers before the coming of the Mughals, the latter popularised this custom and made it into an elaborate affair.
During coronation anniversaries, the two Ids, birthdays of princes, or on any other special occasion, the emperor used to distribute khilats or kaftans. However,the status of the receiver was decisive in the number of garments he received. Those higher in status and importance received a higher number of garmetns. There were four to five degrees of the khilat or kaftan, ranging from a three-piece set of garments to a seven-piece set. The regular category of the khilat was basically the three piece set. These three garmetns were common to all categories, but the number of garmetns and other ornaments increased thereafter for each successive category. The first, category, the three-piece set, consisted of a jama (long coat with full skirt), a dastar(turban), and a kamarband(waistband). The next category was of a five-piece set: a balaband (turband band) and a sarpech (turban ornament) were added to the first cateory. The third category had an additional nimah astin (tight fitting jacket with short or half sleeves).

Kaftan Dress	Fashion Kaftans	Evening Gown	Women Caftan
Kaftans	Tunic	India Tunic	Womens Long Tunic
Plus Size Long Tunics	Women's Tunics	Embroidered Tunic	Caftan Dress
Cotton Caftan	Maternity Wear	Indian Tunic	Evening Wear
Womens Caftan	Cotton Robe	Maternity Clothing	Plus Size Clothing
Evening Dress	Cocktail Dress	Party Dress	Cotton Kaftan
Long Tunic	Caftan Kaftan	Cotton Kaftan	Evening Dress