Handloom Sarees – Handwoven Sarees from All Parts of India

Check out how the handloom sarees are woven from different parts of India in this blog

Some more popular weaves from across the country:

Chanderi Weave from Central India: Chanderi, MP

Origin and History:

The town of Chanderi in Ashok Nagar district of Madhya Pradesh is known for its historical importance as well as the world famous Chanderi hand woven sarees. Ancient texts speak of MP’s glorious reputation for weaving between the 7^th century and 2^nd century BC. It rose to prominence in the 11^th century, when it became one of the most important trade routes in India.

Weaving Process:

The fabric is woven with warp(tana) which is a set of threads, through which the weft(bana) is passed in regular motion. Since its inception, till about the 1920’s, only white and off-white cloth was woven – the ends were embellished with zari and golden thread.

Special Features:

Referred to as ‘woven air’ because of its transparency and the sheer texture of the fabric, Chanderi handloom sarees are set apart by their light weight and glossy texture which is different from any other textile woven or produced in mass in the country.

Motifs:

Some of the motifs used are ashrafi (gold coin), churi(bangle), bundi(dots), keri(paisley), phul-patti, phul-buta,akhrot(walnut), paan, eent(brick), surajbuti, meena buti, kalgi and ghoongra among others.

Muga Silk from Eastern India: Assam

Origin and History:

Muga silk production came into the spotlight under the Ahom dynasty(1228 - 1826). The craft became an integral part of the social and economic lives of locals.

Weaving Process:

The muga silk produced by the Garo community of Assam, is obtained from the semi-domesticated silkwormAntheraeaAssamensis. These silk worms feed on the leaves som and soalu plants – the silk produced from them is known for its glossy texture and durability. A silk farmer requires access to at least an acre of land if he has to cultivate about 400 gm of Mugasilk in one sitting. This is the main reason why these sarees come with a hefty price tag.

Special Features:

The golden color and shine of the fabric is one of the most unique features of Muga silk. It is also a distinguishing feature of a saree that belongs to this region.

Pochampally weave from Southern India: Pochampally, Telangana

Origin and History:

Bhoodan Pochampally marked its rightful place in Indian history as a silk mine in the 18^th century. The weaving process of the traditional Pochampally ikat sarees is said to have been brought to the small town of Pochampally from Chirala, where the art was locally referred to as chitku. The technique has been widely applauded because of the fabric’s unique identity as compared to other ikat producing units. Starting with a small pool of weavers, the town soon came to be known for the classic fabric that they could produce, one which could compete with every silk manufacturer in the country.

Weaving Process:

Ikats are usually of two types – single ikat where only the warp is tie-dyed and interwoven with the weft, and double ikats where both warp and weft are tie-dyed and positioned in such a way that they work together to create the specific design with a signature bleed.

Special Features:

One of the most telling signs of a Pochampally silk saree is the intricate geometric design spread over the fabric. The minute detailing gives it a very captivating effect.

Motifs:

Pochampally ikat sarees are famous for the geometric patterns on them. However, modern Pochampally motifs have a mix of elephants, parrots, dancing girls and flowers.

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