Rajkot Silk Patola Saree, the modern affordable version of the Patan Patola.

The Rajkot Silk Patola Saree has successfully replicated a traditional art and offered it affordably to a wide section of society.

Rajkot, in Gujarat, India, is famous for its pure silk Rajkot Patola saris and innovative textile printing. It has over time, developed an affordable variety of the original Patan Patola weave.

The Patan Patola Saree an exquisite and hand woven grand affair, is not easily marketable on account of its prohibitive cost, the time consumed in the making of one sari and the laborious effort involved.

Substantial inputs about the Patan Patola from its makers regarding its making and fabric material weave were soon replicated in its new form – the Rajkot Silk Patola Saree.

Using different patterns and comparatively cheaper raw materials, Rajkot Patola Sarees evolved in a much affordable range for the market. Govt. policies backed the production of low cost Patola sarees. The making of the Rajkot Patola Saree has provided employment to thousands of weavers of the Wankar and Maheshwari communities. Earlier they had been involved in the weaving of the original Patola Sarees, but they had either migrated or chosen other forms of livelihood.

The Rajkot Saree is a single ikat saree, whereas the Patan Patola is a double ikat or ikkat weave.

Single Ikat fabrics are created by the resist tie-dye method on either warp or weft. Double ikat involves resisting on both warp and weft and then interlacing them to form fine intricate patterns.

The ikat or tie-dye method has created colourful Silk Patola Sarees. They are sensations, with trendy prints, unique and attractive patterns, with eye-catching motifs as additional embellishments.

A seemingly lost tradition has been revived in its new form. Encouraged by affordable prices, trendy prints in vibrant colours with brilliant patterns and appealing borders, the new-look Rajkot Silk Patola Saree is now purchased by a wide section of an enthusiastic market.

There are many variations to the Rajkot Patola Sarees.

Rajkot pure silk Patola sarees are known for their contrasted colours and zari borders. Pure silk sarees designed with latest ikkat and bandhni prints are eye-catchers worn for special occasions.

Stylish embroidery designer Sarees with patterns of zari zardozi, ari, gota are elegant affairs chosen for bridal ceremonies. Patch works on the Patola Saree enhance it further.

The Rajkot pure silk sari with multi color ikkat prints having rich jari border with a contrasting colour zari pallu is fancy wear appropriate for corporate functions, festivals and traditional occasions. While the Heavy designer Rajkot Patola Silk Saree is an integral part of Indian wedding parties and other social gatherings.

Kundans and sequins embroidery work adorning the Rajkot patolas make them stylishly attractive and apt for college functions, parties and special invites.

The Rajkot Cotton Patola sarees have their following too. Designed with the latest ikkat prints, the Heavy Designer Rajkot Cotton Patola Saree in a variety of colours, or the multi-colur Ikkat prints Cotton Sari with small woven border are fashionable. They find preference for both casual wear and various functions.

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.