DRAPED IN CULTURE : Grasshopper

Sakshi Nagar 21-02-2024 05:46 PM Culture

Saree hardly needs any introduction. It has been worn by Indian women for centuries. A saree is a long and rectangular piece of cloth that can be draped around the body in many ways and is capable of giving a beautiful look to any woman. It is worn on special occasions like weddings, festivals, and religious occasions. But in many places, it is also worn as daily wear. There are many types of sarees in our country, which have the specialties of different states. If you do not know anything special about regional sarees and want to know, then this article is only for you. Indian regional sarees represent the unique culture, tradition, and heritage of different regions.

Every state in India has its distinct style of saree, which makes this saree unique. Regional sarees are often made using traditional techniques and materials specific to the area, making them an important part of India's rich cultural heritage. The earliest evidence of sarees can be found in the Indus Valley Civilization, which existed from approximately 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. It is believed that women of that time used to wear draped clothes, which were similar to the modern saree. With time, the saree also changed. During the Mughal era, which lasted from the 16th to the 19th century, sarees became more beautiful and decorated with embroidery, sequins, and other embellishments. Mughal influence can still be seen in some popular sarees like Banarasi and Chikankari sarees.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF REGIONAL SAREES

1. BANARASI SAREES

Banarasi sarees are mainly made in the city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras, in Uttar Pradesh. Banarasi sarees are known for their intricate brocade work, zari borders, and rich silk fabric, all of which give them a luxurious and elegant appeal. The art of making Banarasi sarees dates back to the Mughal period when weavers from Persia were brought to India to create textiles for the Royal Court. With time, these weavers settled in Banaras and started weaving silk and brocade fabrics that were used to make Banarasi sarees.

2. KANJEEVARAM SAREES

Kanjeevaram saree, also known as Kanchipuram saree, is a silk saree made in the city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, South India. There are several steps involved in the making of Kanjeevaram sarees. The silk used to make Kanjeevaram sarees comes from Karnataka and is of high quality. It is then woven by hand on a loom, with each saree taking three to four weeks to complete. Both the Banarasi saree and Kanjeevaram saree are a masterpiece of Indian craftsmanship with their unique weaving techniques, intricate designs, and use of pure zari.

3. PAITHANI SAREES

Paithani saree is also a silk saree, which is made in Paithan city of Maharashtra. Paithani sarees are characterized by their intricate borders and pallu, which feature designs such as peacocks, flowers, and vines. Paithani sarees are also known for their use of contrasting colors, with the border and pallu often being a different color from the rest of the saree. One of the most distinguishing features of Paithani sarees is the 'Kadiyal' weaving technique, which involves interlocking the warp and weft threads to create a strong and durable fabric.

4. CHANDERI SAREES

Chanderi sarees are a type of lightweight cotton or silk sarees, which are made in Chanderi town of Madhya Pradesh. These sarees are known for their sheer texture, subtle designs and intricate weave patterns. Chanderi sarees are made from a combination of silk and cotton threads, which gives them a soft feel. The silk used in Chanderi sarees is of high quality and has a natural shine while the cotton adds durability to the fabric. One of the most striking features of Chanderi sarees is their use of 'buta' or 'booti' designs, which consist of small, scattered motifs woven into the fabric.

5. BANDHANI SAREE

Bandhani saree, also known as Bandhej saree, is a type of tie-and-dye saree made in Gujarat and Rajasthan. There are several steps involved in the making of a Bandhani saree. The process involves first preparing the fabric, which is usually made of cotton or silk. The fabric is then tied into small knots using threads, which create a pattern and prevent the dye from penetrating certain parts of the fabric. One of the most distinctive features of Bandhani sarees is the use of 'lehariya' or diagonal patterns, which create a zig-zag effect on the fabric.