Consider the following items:

I. Turban

II. Trousers

III. Heavy long coat

IV. Helmet

V. Boots

Which of the items listed above were introduced by the Shakas and Kushans from Central Asia?

Key Points

• The Shakas and Kushans, who came from Central Asia, introduced several items of clothing and accessories to the Indian subcontinent.
• These items include the turban, trousers, heavy long coat, helmet, and boots.
• These introductions were part of the cultural and material exchanges that took place between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent during their rule.
• The adoption of these items was influenced by the climate and military needs of the regions they ruled.

Additional Information

• Turban:
  • A turban is a type of headwear based on cloth winding. It is commonly worn in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, Central Asia, North Africa, East Africa, and parts of the Swahili Coast.
  • The turban was introduced into India by the Central Asian nomadic tribes, including the Shakas and Kushans.
• Trousers:
  • Trousers, also known as pants, are an item of clothing that might have been introduced by the Kushans and Shakas from Central Asia.
  • They are worn from the waist to the ankles, covering both legs separately.
• Heavy Long Coat:
  • The heavy long coat was introduced as a part of the military attire by the Central Asian conquerors.
  • It provided protection from the cold climates of the regions they originated from.
• Helmet:
  • Helmets were used as protective gear by soldiers and were introduced by the Kushans and Shakas.
  • They were an essential part of the military equipment during their rule.
• Boots:
  • Boots were introduced to protect the feet of soldiers and travelers from rough terrains and cold climates.
  • This footwear was commonly used by the Central Asian nomadic tribes.