चोली (Choli), the Bodice-like upper garment worn along with a sari or skirt in the Indian subcontinent evolved from the ancient 'Stanapatta' - a chest band, also known as 'Kurpsika' or 'Kanchuki', which was one of the forms of three-piece attire (others being 'Antriya' - lower garment, 'Uttariya' - the veil) worn by women as recorded in Sanskrit and Buddhist Pali literature during the 6th century BC. Early cholis were front-covering and tied at the back which is still prevalent in northern and parts of western India, whereas in Southern India, the 'Ravike' blouses are tied at the front. Seen here: Choli (Bodice) in velvet bodice lined with crimson silk, embroidered with gota-patti flower and leaf designs in gold-wrapped thread and silver sequins, and silver wire. ca. 1855 (made), Varanasi, India. Image: Victoria and Albert Museum #india #garments #blouse #choli