CBSE Class 9 Social Science: Clothing – A Social History NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

This chapter delves into the fascinating history of clothing, exploring how dress codes and materials have evolved over time and their connection to social structures. The NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science, Chapter 8: Clothing – A Social History, provide detailed explanations for key concepts. Students will learn about the factors influencing changes in clothing patterns during the eighteenth century, the significance of sumptuary laws in France, and the distinct differences between European and Indian dress codes. The solutions also examine the reasons behind women's continued adherence to traditional attire in the 19th century, the symbolic power of Mahatma Gandhi's khadi, and the challenges in achieving his vision for national clothing. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the social and cultural significance of clothing throughout history, aiding in their exam preparation by offering clear, concise answers to all chapter-related questions.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	Social Science
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	History ( India and the Contemporary World – I) - Clothing: A Social History

Chapter summary

Chapter 8 of India and the Contemporary World – I, 'Clothing: A Social History,' examines the evolution of clothing as a social indicator. The NCERT Solutions cover the impact of colonialism and industrialization on dress, the role of sumptuary laws, and cultural differences in attire like the turban and hat. It also addresses the socio-economic factors influencing clothing choices in 19th-century India and the symbolic significance of Mahatma Gandhi's khadi movement. These solutions provide a clear understanding of how clothing reflects societal norms, status, and political statements.

Learning outcomes

Understand the reasons for changes in clothing patterns and materials in the eighteenth century.
Explain the concept and purpose of sumptuary laws in historical contexts.
Compare and contrast European and Indian dress codes, highlighting cultural differences.
Analyze the social implications of women's clothing choices in 19th-century India.
Recognize the symbolic strength and political significance of Mahatma Gandhi's dress.
Evaluate the challenges and appeal of the khadi movement in India.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Changes in clothing patterns in the 18th century
Sumptuary laws in France
Comparison of European and Indian dress codes
Impact of Industrial Revolution on textiles
Women's clothing in 19th century India
Symbolism of Mahatma Gandhi's dress
The Khadi movement
Clothing as a social indicator

Important topics

Changes in clothing patterns and materials in the eighteenth century
Sumptuary laws and their social control
Symbolic strength of Mahatma Gandhi's dress
The Khadi movement and its socio-political significance
Women's position reflected in their clothing choices

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Explain the reasons for the changes in clothing patterns and materials in the eighteenth century.

Solution: The eighteenth century witnessed significant shifts in clothing due to several global developments. Firstly, the extensive colonization of the world by European powers led to increased cultural exchange and the adoption of styles and materials from different regions. Secondly, the spread of democratic ideals encouraged a greater sense of individual expression through dress. Finally, the growth of industrial society, particularly the Industrial Revolution, revolutionized textile production, making new materials and mass-produced clothing more accessible. These factors collectively led to a diversification of clothing options and the global spread of Western dress styles, especially for men.

Question 2

What were the sumptuary laws in France?

Solution: Sumptuary laws were a set of regulations enforced in France from 1294 until the French Revolution in 1789. Their primary objective was to control the behavior and maintain the social hierarchy by dictating what different social classes could wear, consume (like certain foods and beverages), and even engage in (like hunting). These laws aimed to prevent individuals considered socially inferior from imitating the dress and lifestyle of the upper classes, thereby reinforcing social distinctions.

Question 3

Give any two examples of the ways in which European dress codes were different from Indian dress codes.

Solution: European and Indian dress codes exhibited notable differences, reflecting distinct cultural norms and social practices. Two key examples are headwear and footwear:

Headwear (Turban vs. Hat): In India, the turban was more than just protection from the sun; it was a symbol of respectability and dignity, often worn with pride and not removed casually. Conversely, in Western tradition, the hat was a common headwear, but the act of removing it before social superiors was a crucial gesture of respect, indicating a different social etiquette.
Footwear: Indians traditionally removed their shoes when entering sacred places as a sign of reverence. In contrast, the British, during their colonial rule, did not typically follow this custom, highlighting a divergence in religious and social customs related to cleanliness and respect for holy sites.

Question 4

In 1805, a British official, Benjamin Heyne, listed the manufactures of Bangalore which included the following: Women's cloth of different musters and names, Coarse chintz, Muslins, Silk cloths. Of this list, which kind of cloth would have definitely fallen out of use in the early 1900s and why?

Solution: Among the listed cloths, Muslin would have most likely fallen out of use by the early 1900s. The reason for this decline is directly linked to the Industrial Revolution in Britain. The revolution led to the mass production of textiles using machines, making them significantly cheaper and flooding markets worldwide, including India. Muslin, often a fine and relatively expensive fabric, could not compete with the low cost and widespread availability of machine-made cloths. Consequently, traditional, more costly fabrics like muslin found it increasingly difficult to sustain their market presence.

Question 5

Suggest reasons why women in nineteenth century India were obliged to continue wearing traditional Indian dress even when men switched over to the more convenient western clothing. What does this show about the position of women in society?

Solution: In the nineteenth century, women in India largely continued to wear traditional Indian attire while men began adopting more convenient Western clothing due to prevailing social norms and the position of women in society. This adherence to traditional dress indicates that women were generally accorded a lower status than men. They were often confined to the domestic sphere, with limited interaction with the outside world. Modernity and changes associated with Westernization were primarily seen as relevant for men, who had greater public roles. The emphasis on traditional dress for women reinforced their prescribed roles and restricted their engagement with the changing times, highlighting their subordinate position.

Question 6

Winston Churchill described Mahatma Gandhi as a 'seditious Middle Temple Lawyer' now 'posing as a half naked fakir'. What provoked such a comment and what does it tell you about the symbolic strength of Mahatma Gandhi's dress?

Solution: Winston Churchill's provocative comment was provoked by Mahatma Gandhi's appearance at the Viceroy's house, where he wore only a simple dhoti, a traditional Indian garment. This attire was a stark contrast to the formal Western suits typically worn by individuals meeting with the Viceroy. Gandhi's dress was a deliberate choice, showcasing immense symbolic strength. It represented his deep pride in Indian culture and his solidarity with the common Indian people, especially the impoverished peasants who wore similar simple clothing. By adopting this attire, Gandhi powerfully communicated his identification with the masses and drew strength from their support, making a potent political statement against colonial rule and its associated symbols of power and privilege.

Question 7

Why did Mahatma Gandhi's dream of clothing the nation in khadi appeal only to some sections of Indians?

Solution: Mahatma Gandhi envisioned a nation clothed entirely in khadi, a hand-spun and hand-woven cotton fabric, as a symbol of self-reliance and national pride. However, this dream appealed only to certain sections of Indians for several reasons. Firstly, adopting Gandhi's minimalist style, such as the single loincloth he often wore, was not practical or desirable for everyone. Secondly, the cost of khadi could be prohibitive for many poorer sections of society, making it unaffordable. Lastly, a significant portion of the population, particularly the educated and urban classes, preferred wearing finer cloths of various colours and designs, often influenced by Western fashion, and thus did not fully embrace the simplicity and uniformity of khadi.

Common mistakes

Confusing the purpose of sumptuary laws with general fashion regulations.
Underestimating the symbolic meaning of clothing in social and political movements.
Failing to connect changes in clothing to broader historical events like industrialization and colonialism.
Not considering the socio-economic factors that influence clothing choices for different groups.

Revision tips

Focus on the social and cultural context behind clothing changes, not just the styles.
Understand the symbolic meaning of specific garments like the turban, hat, and khadi.
Analyze how historical events like the Industrial Revolution impacted textile production and consumption.
Connect the clothing choices of different groups (men vs. women, different classes) to their social status.
Review the role of Mahatma Gandhi's dress in the Indian independence movement.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was the primary purpose of sumptuary laws in France?

Q2. In the 18th century, what major global event significantly influenced clothing styles and materials?

Q3. Which type of cloth from the Bangalore manufactures list of 1805 would likely have fallen out of use by the early 1900s?

Q4. Mahatma Gandhi's choice to wear a dhoti, described by Winston Churchill, symbolized:

Q5. Why did Mahatma Gandhi's dream of clothing the nation in khadi face limitations?

Frequently asked questions

What historical period does Chapter 8 of Class 9 Social Science focus on regarding clothing?

The chapter primarily discusses changes in clothing from the eighteenth century onwards, with specific examples from 19th-century India and references to earlier periods like 17th-century France.

What were sumptuary laws and why were they important?

Sumptuary laws, like those in France until 1789, were regulations designed to control the behavior and consumption of people, particularly those considered socially inferior, by dictating what they could wear, eat, or do.

How did European and Indian dress codes differ?

They differed significantly, for instance, in the symbolism of headwear (turban vs. hat) and customs regarding footwear in sacred places, reflecting distinct cultural values and social etiquette.

What does the continued use of traditional Indian dress by women in the 19th century signify?

It signifies the lower social status accorded to women during that era, often confining them to domestic roles and limiting their exposure to modernity and change compared to men.

What was the significance of Mahatma Gandhi's simple attire?

Gandhi's 'half-naked fakir' appearance, clad in a dhoti, was a powerful symbol of his identification with the Indian masses, particularly the poor peasants, and his pride in national identity.

Why was Mahatma Gandhi's call to wear khadi not universally adopted?

The adoption was limited because khadi could be expensive for some, and others preferred the variety and finer textures of different cloths available, making a single, simple garment impractical for all.

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