DR. SHAILAJA D. NAIKSHWETA MARIYAPPANAVAR2017-11-242017-11-242014-06http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810036337The present study on “Documentation and contemporizing the ethnic costumes of conservative societies inhabited in Karnataka” was carried out during 2011-2014 with the objectives to document on historical background, constructional details of men and women costumes along with jewellery, accessories, headgear and footwear of conservative societies, to design and develop contemporary ethnic outfits by incorporating style features traditional costumes. A self structured interview schedule was administered on fifty each families of five different conservative societies viz., Gouli, Halakki, Kunbi, Lambani and Siddi totaling to 250 families, these conservative societies are localited in Dharwad, Haveri and Uttara Kannada districts of Karnataka. The information in detail on origin, deity worshiped, migration, occupation, fairs and festival celebrated, clothing purchasing practices, tradition costumes of men and women, jewellery, headgear and footwear, was documented exclusive for each conservative society. Total 5 trendy outfits were designed and developed one for each society, incorporating traditional style features through necessary adaptations, were overlapped dhoti pant with cowl top, single shoulder kurta, off shoulder kurta, anarkali kurta with halter jacket and finally skirt with strapped bodice by slash and spread method for Gouli, Halakki, Kunbi, Lambani, and Siddi communities, respectively. These five ethnic outfits were assessed by young adults, home scientists and textile experts for resemblance with the traditional style features and colours of the costumes, suitability, value addition, comfortability, overall appearance and cost of production by organizing exhibition. The concept of designing contemporary outfits and overall appearance are found to be excellent. The descending order of preference for outfits was off shoulder kurta, single soulder kurta, anarkali kurta with halter jacket, overlapped dhoti pant with cowl top and skirt with strapped bodice. Further studies can be taken on documentation of costume and folklore of other conservative societies of Karnataka and other states, as a treasure.ennullThesis