The Mystery behind Shalu Wedding Sarees

Banaras – The Silk City

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Situated on the banks of river Ganga, the holy city of Banaras is home to some of the most ancient temples and finest silk sarees of the world. Around the 5th and 6th century, Banaras emerged as a textile centre under prince Siddhartha’s rule. But around the 17th century, the migration of silk weavers from Gujarat saw many an innovations in textile weaving in Banaras and it soon became the silk textile of the region. During Mughal period it reached its peak with introduction of opulent zari and brocade work, something it is identified with even today. 

The city has seen centuries of handmade textile tradition and is witness to adoption of new trends based on modern sensibilities. Some of the sarees that are made here are Kataan silk sarees, Kora silks, Dupian silk, Tanchoi saree, Tissue saree etc. The most prominent of them all are resplendent Banarasi shalu silk sarees. Rich, opulent and heavily brocaded pure silk sarees, these Shalu sarees are popular as Bridal Banarasi silk sarees.

Fascinating History of Popularity of Banarasi Shalu Wedding Sarees in Maharastra

A regional variant of sari from Banaras, Shalu interestingly is a popular wedding Shalu silk saree in Maharastra.  Infact, here it is known to be a famous version of the accredited rich Paithani silk that became famous around the 17th century in Maharastra. Known to have originated in Banaras, one wonders how it became more popular in culture rich Maharastra and that’s when one encounters a rather fascinating story of a Peshwa of Pune who during his travel to Varanasi with intent to expand the Maratha Rule under Chhatrapati Shahu brought this version of Banarasi shalu silk sarees to Maharashtra and entrusted the responsibility of their weaving to the acclaimed Paithani silk saree weavers in Yeola, the then weaving centre of Paithani silks. This justifies the origin of handloom Maharashtra a shalu sarees.

Distinction between Paithani Sarees, Wedding Shalu Silk Sarees and Banarasi Shalu Silk Sarees

The most obvious difference between a Traditional Paithani Saree and a Shalu is its texture. While the silk fabric of Paithanis is very thick, Shalu silk sarees are woven on very fine thin silk fabric. Also while Paithani sarees essentially display typical oblique work border and ornate zari pallu with plain bootis on the body of the saree, a Shalu is adorned with fine motifs on the border and more intricate and refined design on the pallu. The body of the saree too is embellished with fine zari motifs. 

In Shalu sarees too there is a fine variation in handloom Maharashtra shalu sarees and Banarasi shalu silk sarees. While both the sarees are heavily brocaded and woven on fine thin silk fabric, the motifs exhibit a tinge of their respective cultures. In spite of all their fine differences, what is in common between the two is theoutstanding artistry and craftsmanshipthat talks volumes about the rich experience that the weavers of both these regions carry.

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