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Indian Railways Ditches Bandhgala, Sparks Colonial Debate

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Indian Railways Minister, labeled the bandhgala a symbol of colonial mindset.
The government removed the railway staff uniform to erase colonial influences.
Designer Raghavendra Rathore defended the jacket, citing its Indian history and centuries of evolution.
Rathore feared what would replace the bandhgala, hoping it would not be a standard Western suit.

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Story summary

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Indian Railways Minister, labeled the bandhgala a symbol of colonial mindset.
The government removed the railway staff uniform to erase colonial influences.
Designer Raghavendra Rathore defended the jacket, citing its Indian history and centuries of evolution.
Rathore feared what would replace the bandhgala, hoping it would not be a standard Western suit.