Royal Revival of Traditional Art Form Puts Life Into Maheshwari Saree

The Maheshwari Saree, is a traditional art weave that has managed to survive the test of time. Thanks to a royal backing, the Maheshwari weaves are a fine example of the devotion and dedicated efforts to preserve the purity of a traditional art.

Maheshwar is in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, India, located close to Indore. Once it had prominence as the capital of Malwa region and a centre of handloom weaving, during the rule of the Holkars.

Famed for its Maheshwari Sarees, Maheshwar is home to the making of one of India’s finest traditional handloom fabrics.

The Maheshwari Saris are exclusive for their unique designs on silk and cotton fabrics, the fine use of zari and brilliant use of stripes, checks and exquisite floral borders.

Distinctive features of the Maheshwari Saree are its light weight, shiny lustre, and a fine display of colours, with brilliant motifs, an attractive Pallu and a border to match.

The Pallu is particularly noted for its colourful stripes in varied colours such as green, pink, magenta, mauve, violet etc. which lend the fabric a mesmerising look. The border is adorned by trendy designs and themes such as the Maheshwar fort and similar subjects.

Over time, change in trends, increased apathy of those in power, extremely disproportionate returns for the valuable time and effort put in the making of the Maheshwari Sarees, discouraged the weavers engaged in this art and threatened its extinction.

A descendant of the Holkars came as a God-send and the Rehwa Society was established in 1978, primarily for employment to women and encouraging the revival of this ethnic art.

Located in one of the historic buildings of the town, more than 100 weavers, mostly women, are engaged in the weaving of the Maheshwari Saris. Their families also get the much needed monetary aid and support services like healthcare in this mutually beneficial association.

The Maheshwar loom has the buttas or motifs and the borders made on the shuttles involving an intricate system of weaving. Coupled with dedicated introduction of innovations it has given the Maheshwari Sari its pride of place as one of the finest traditional fabrics that has survived the test of time and regained its former glory.

Elegant geometrical block printed motifs on the Maheswari cotton sari having a zari patti border is a refreshing change and makes comfortable wear through the day. It suits corporate office goers, college professors and those engaged in similar professions. It is also preferred for festivals and traditional occasions.

Maheswari silk sarees decorated with thread embroidery, kundans and beads are stylish and could be worn for conferences and social gatherings.

The printed Maheswari Sico sari with its patch border and zari pallu is most alluring wear and an eye-catching proposition for parties.

The author is a young lady, a freelance specializing in ethnic fabrics, more devoted to sarees. With a penchant for travelling at will and to ethnic destinations in particular, She could be contacted at press@unnatisilks.com or 040-64555251.