Comprehensive Guide to Silk Sarees

The saree is an essential part of the traditional wear collection for Indian women. It is not only highly comfortable and easy to carry but also imparts a feminine grace to the wearer. Silk sarees are particularly known for their richness and glamour. The silk drapes are considered an investment product and are widely used for weddings and other special occasions.

Multiple types of silk sarees are widely in circulation. Let's look at some of the major types of sarees.

Banarasi Silk

Banarasi sarees stand out among sarees as the most popular among all varieties of sarees. The origin of Banarasi sarees is the holy city of Benares, hence the name. These sarees are known for their luxury and classiness. Banarasi sarees are particularly used as bridal attires in lavish Indian weddings.

The major features of Banarasi sarees are hand-woven brocade or zari work, with the expensive ones using gold or silver brocade, floral and foliate motifs, upright leaves or jhallar at the outer edge, heavy weaving, and more.

Banarasi sarees include Kattan, Kora, Shattir, Tanchoi, Jangla, Shikargarh, and Butidari.

Banarasi sarees are heavy and not for daily use. They are worn mainly on special occasions such as weddings.

Assam Silk

Assam Silk sarees are delicate and lightweight, which makes them easy to carry. The traditional Assam sarees are hand woven completely. The time taken to weave a Assam saree is one month. The varieties of Assam sarees are Muga, Paat, and Eri.

Muga Silk sarees are produced using the obtained from Antheraena Assamensis silkworm found in Assam. The produced by this silkworm has a golden tint and is highly glossy in appearance.

Paat Silk sarees are manufactured using the silk obtained from Bombyx Texter silkworms found on mulberry leaves. These sarees are lightweight and delicate and are known for various motifs, such as human and animal figures woven around their borders.

Eri silk sarees are made using the silk obtained from Alianthus Silkmoth. These sarees have a rough texture and lack lustre compared to other Assam sarees.

Baluchari Silk

Baluchari sarees trace their origin to a small village called Baluchar in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal. These sarees are manufactured using the cocoon of silkworm. The history of Baluchari sarees dates back over 500 years.

The most prominent feature of Baluchari sarees is the presence of motifs on the pallu. Traditionally, the motifs have been inspired by the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. However, during British times, the motifs also depicted scenes involving officers of the East India Company.

Patola Silk

Patola sarees feature among the finest handloom silk sarees from Gujarat. The major features of Patola sarees are intricate weaving, delicate patterns, motifs of animals or plants or geometric patterns, and elaborate embroidery and decorations. These sarees come in a multitude of bright colors.

Surat and Patan are the hubs of Patola sarees. Patola sarees are widely used as wedding attires and well suited to wear on formal occasions.

Kanjivaram or Kanchipuram Silk

Kanjivaram, also known as Kanchipuram silk sarees, is considered a heritage among all kinds of sarees. This type of saree traces its origin in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. The pure mulberry of Kanchipuram is used for weaving these sarees while the zari comes from Gujarat.

The major features of Kanjivaram sarees are floral motifs, checks, stripes, temple borders, contrast borders, and gold borders. The Kanjivaram sarees also come in modern designs, apart from traditional ones.

Kanjivaram sarees are widely used as bridal wear, especially in South India. These are highly expensive drapes, with the cost of a saree depending upon its design, color, and the quality of the silk and zari used to weave it.

Mysore Silk

Mysore silk sarees are weaved using the silk originating in Mysore, which is considered the purest form of silk. These sarees feature highly aesthetic motifs depicting birds and fruits. The Mysore sarees are dyed using natural pigments.

Mysore sarees are known for their durability and lustre that remains intact for long periods. Non-crush quality is another prominent feature of these sarees. Overall, Mysore sarees are a blend of elegance and superior fabric strength.

Dharmavaram Silk

Dharmavaram Silk sarees have their origin in the Anantpur district of Andhra Pradesh. Dharmavaram sarees' fabric carries gold brocaded patterns and motifs of peacock and elephant designs.

The Dharmavaram sarees are particularly famous for their gold-plated borders, temple borders, and artwork prints. Brides widely wear these sarees in South India.

Bomkai Silk

Bomkai Silk sarees feature traditional clothing for women in the state of Odisha. Bomkai sarees are weaved in handlooms. This type of saree has its origins in Western Odisha.

The prominent features of Bomkai sarees are contrasting color palettes and elaborate and delicate threadwork. They come in many bright colors, such as dark blue, black, dark green, red, and more. Odisha's ancient folklores inspired the motifs and designs woven on these sarees' silk fabric.

There are multiple varieties of Bomkai silk sarees, such as Sonepuri, Bapta, Barpali, and Pasapalli.

Konrad Silk

Konrad Silk sarees originated in Tamil Nadu. The distinguishing feature of these sarees is the presence of a much wider border than other sarees. The 10-14 cm wide borders feature intricately woven designs and motifs of animals, birds, flowers, and creepers.

Konrad sarees have a bright sheen but are not as heavy as many other opulent sarees.

I am zuber from India. Share Online Marketing & SEO Experience.