Achkan

Achkan (Hindi: अच्कन, Urdu: اچکن) is a long jacket worn in South Asia, and together with the Sherwani, is traditionally associated with the Northern Indian, frequently Muslim and Sikh, aristocracy.

History

The achkan originated in British India during the 18th century, as a fusion of the Indo-Persian chapkan and chogha with the British frock coat. It was gradually adopted by the native Indian aristocracy, and later by the general population, as a more westernized form of traditional attire.

It is long-sleeved coat-like garment, worn close to the body, reaching down to the knees or even lower, and buttoned in front-middle. It can be distinguished from the sherwani by the fact that it is often made from lighter, finer fabrics, and is generally unlined.