Patola Saree: Its Origins, History and how it became a Symbol of Indian Culture

The Patola saree is a garment worn by women in India. It is also called a sari, which means 'self' in several Indian languages. A saree is a single piece of unstitched cloth that can be long and wrapped around the body or short as an overlay, with the front side being shorter than the backside. The word comes from the Sanskrit word Sadri, meaning article of clothing. In different regions of India, it is called VEND (in Maharashtra), CHENCHAD (in Odisha), KENDHAK (in Gujarat), and PATTU (in Tamil Nadu). These names are derived from local words for the type of fabric used to make the saree. Regional variations in draping or tying and designs set sarees apart from one place to another.

History of the Saree

The earliest saree evidence date back to 2500 BC in the Indus Valley Civilization. The word 'sari' is derived from 'Sadri,' the Sanskrit word for 'cloth.' It is believed that women in the Indus Valley Civilization wrapped a piece of cloth around their bodies to protect themselves from the hot sun and to carry baskets of grains and other products from the fields. Women later wore sarees in the Kushan, Gupta, and Mughal empires. During the Mughal rule, the saree was recognized as a formal garment and was the dominant dress of women. In the Mughal era, the saree was an important aspect of Indian culture, and the woven textile was an economic mainstay in several Indian states. When the British East India Company began trading in India, they noticed that the saree was the main form of dress for Indian women. The Company restricted Indian weavers from exporting the saree outside India and tried to popularize the Western dress amongst Indian women. The British felt the sari should be replaced with a dress that allowed freer movement. They felt that the sari was inconvenient because it required the wearer to hold it up with one hand when walking through dusty fields. The sari was also associated with Indian culture and religion, and the saree was viewed as a symbol of Indian culture. However, the saree remained the primary garment for Indian women even after the British left India in 1947.

Why is it so important in Indian culture?

The word 'Sari' has been derived from the word 'Sadi,' which is Sanskrit for 'Cloth.' The saree is the most traditional and widely worn garment by Indian women. It is the typical dress of Indian women from all walks of life. The Patola saree has a rich history and is closely linked with Indian culture. It is common to see Indian women wearing the saree on various occasions, from casual to formal. The design of a saree varies from state to state, community to community, and even family to family. The saree is such a predominant symbol of Indian culture because of its delicate weave, rich colors, and the artistry that goes into its making. The saree is a unique garment that is both practical and elegant at the same time. It can be worn in many different ways, making it extremely versatile. And because the saree is a single piece of cloth, it is easy and economical to make.

Who wears a saree?

Women from all walks of life, from all the different parts of the country, and different religions wear the saree. And even though the Patola saree is associated with Indian culture, it is not limited to Indian women. Women from other South Asian countries who have Indian ancestry also wear the saree. Famous non-Indian women have worn a saree, such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Indira Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Sharmila Tagore. Some Indian women might prefer to wear a saree at home or when visiting temples and other religious places. Others might prefer to wear a saree to a wedding or a festival. It all depends on the person and the occasion.

Bollywood and the Saree

The sari is the traditional garment worn by women in South Asia, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. The sari is a versatile garment, and one of the most common types is the pattu sari, or "bordered sari." Pattu saris are a combination of fabric and border that are joined together to make a garment. The pattu sari has been popular in southern India for centuries. Unlike Northern India, where women of higher castes mostly wore saris, the pattu sari was worn by women of all social classes, including lower castes. The popularity of the sari in Bollywood films has helped to make it a very important and popular part of Indian culture. Several Bollywood actresses have been portrayed wearing saris in films.

Conclusion

The Patola saree is the most traditional and widely worn garment by Indian women. It is the typical dress of Indian women from all walks of life. The word 'Sari' has been derived from the word 'Sadi,' which is Sanskrit for 'Cloth.' The saree is the most traditional and widely worn garment by Indian women. It is the typical dress of Indian women from all walks of life. The saree has a rich history and is closely linked with Indian culture. It is common to see Indian women wearing the saree on all occasions, from casual to formal.

I am Charles Patrick Content writer at Mirraw online Services Pvt Ltd. I write blogs on Indian women's traditional Clothing like Saree, lehengas, salwaar kameez, kurtis etc.