Threads Of Time: Kashmir's Wardrobe Of History

By Saima Rashid Khan

In urban pockets or a remote bazaar, you can read history on every body: elders in woolen pherans, young women pairing embroidered cloaks with jeans, and men in sharp coats.

Every layer carries a story.

The roots of Kashmiri clothing trace back to medieval times, when Persian influence began to shape life in the valley.

The pheran, a long flowing cloak, arrived as both a practical garment and a symbol of modesty. Its name comes from the Persian pherahan, meaning cloak, and it became central to Kashmiri life.

Women's pherans grew long, embroidered along necklines and sleeves with delicate patterns, while men's were shorter, designed for ease of movement. Simple footwear like pulharoo and khraw complemented these garments, grounded in functionality and local materials.

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