Thaar mundu, Thaar thorthu, Onnara mundu

Uma could not make a clear distinction. I did show her Mrs.Jeyamma's comment about the mundu-thurthu distinction. I made an explanation on this to Uma. She listened to me carefully, and finally I asked her : ".. is this right ? ... " . She said "yes... ofcourse ... But Maamma, the problem is not really the distinction, its about the coloquial terminology ...". However, I thought I must make an attempt to clarify, the way I understand. So ......

"Thaar mundu" is a full sized, single ply mundu. It may be 'mulmul' type or handwoven (handloom). Mulmul cloth is not preferred, as it is polished, and does not stay tight. It gets loose quickly, on its glazed finish. The absorption properties are poor. However, ladies in central Travancore use it, even now. { This will necessitate the lady to tighten up her thaar frequently}.
Handloom mundu is preferred, as it has the grip (non-glazed) and so retains the tightness. The absorption properties are very good.
Thaar mundu is full sized. The width extends from waist level to the feet. Therefore, to wear the thaar, the mundu is worn with 'njori' at the waist level (which would extend now upto the ankle, below the knee level) while waist is tucked in. This , however, makes the thaar comfortable at waist level ( with wider band like fit at waist). Rest of the wearing is common. When worn, the triangular tips of the thaar will extend almost down to the ankles. For some, the tips are visible when she walks.

"Thaar thorthu" is a shorter version of the mundu. It's full long, but less wide. It's only of handloom (though some ladies, I have seen, make a low width thorthu of mulmul). When worn, it extends from waist down to the knee level. The cloth being thinner (than the mulmul), it's more comfortable. The greatest advantage is that the thaar, when worn, won't be visible below the knees. However, it's too tight at waist level, as much 'njori' won't be there.
This is the most common among ladies who go out. {At home, it doesn't matter, the tips being seen ! }. Uma uses this kind.

I invite all my readers interested in this to look at my earlier posts, with pictures of the thaar thorthu.

And regarding 'Onnara mundu'. It's the same as thaar mundu {as far as the Travancore style is concerned}.