antarīya

 In Sanskrit, "antarīya" (अन्तरीय) refers to an under-garment or lower garment traditionally worn beneath other clothes.

Definition and Etymology

The word “antarīya” is derived from antara (अन्तर), meaning “inner” or “inside,” combined with the suffix -īya, which forms nouns indicating a thing pertaining to something

Wiktionary+1

. Hence, the term literally means something that is worn on the inside.

Usage

Antarīya traditionally denotes the lower garment, an under-clothing piece tied around the waist, covering the lower part of the body. It is mentioned in classical Sanskrit texts such as Daśakumāracarita and other literary sources

Wisdom Library

. This garment corresponds historically to what might be described as a loincloth, dhoti, or inner wrap in traditional Indian attire.

In literature and dictionary references, antarīya is consistently classified as a neuter noun (n.) and refers to:

• An inner garment or undergarment
• A lower waist garment worn beneath other clothing

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The term appears in related languages derived from Sanskrit, including Prakrit and Marathi, where it has maintained the meaning of a garment or clothing worn close to the body

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Cultural Context

In ancient India, clothing was often layered, with the antarīya forming the innermost garment. It was an essential part of attire for both men and women, symbolizing modesty and proper dressing conventions. In some sources, antarīya is paired with other garments such as the uttarīya, an upper cloth draped over the torso

Wisdom Library

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In summary, “antarīya” is a Sanskrit term for a lower or under garment, forming the inner layer of traditional clothing, and is also historically referenced in literature as part of customary dress

Wisdom Library+2

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