The distinctive side-fastening panel that passes over the chest of this young man's robe is typical of a type of <i>angarkha</i>. This panel is secured in two places inside the robe with green silk ties, and another pair keeps the waist closed. The robe is unusual in that it is made of the fine Kashmir wool more often associated with shawls. The intricate, spiralling pattern in couched gold-wrapped thread is typical of the work of Kashmir and of Panjab, where this coat would have been worn. Its lightly padded woollen material would have protected the wearer from the severe winters of these northern areas. The brilliant green ties are echoed in the neck-facing and lining of the same material.
The angarka was acquired by the Indian Museum in London, and transferred to South Kensington in 1879.