Indian sarees have earned the epithet of exceptionality because of the outstanding use of fabrics and the intricate designs. These designs are either derived from the scenes of ancient scriptures of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana or some motifs that are related to the mundane and daily rustic life. Indian sarees are categorized region wise as the choice, availability and culture differs from one another.
Designs and Patterns in Indian Saree
Though the history of Indian sarees depicts that previously the sarees were hand-woven using silk or cotton as raw materials, now the weavers create different materials and the sarees are designed with excellent creativity. The Indian sarees have got their authentic look by incorporating the traditional techniques of making saree as well as including different cultural influences. In the western part of India, people use sarees that are decorated with mixing many bright hues together with metallic thread (zari or jari) embroidery, and often include sparkling embellishments such as tinsel, sequins and mirrors. Use of white, coloured, dye resistance muslins and zari works are quite commonly used to design South Indian sarees. The Indian sarees are sometimes embellished with coloured Chikankari embroidery. The Zardozi is gold-thread embroidery. It has traditionally featured in the wedding sarees of aristocrats and other very wealthy people.
Apart from these, block-printing, tie-dye, etc are incorporated into the weaving and decorating styles of the region. The intricacy and fineness of the blocks and overall quality of the workmanship are considered to be the creative excellence of the artisans. The sarees symbolize the status of the women in each region and the intricacy and designs with quality fabric are worn by the upper class women. On the other hand, women of lower class wear sarees that are of inferior quality.
Various Types of Indian Saree
Sarees like muslins of Alwar (Rajasthan), which were printed or brush-dyed in different colours on each face of the fabric, the fine translucent muslins called Masuria Malmal, Kota Sarees, etc are worn by the upper class women of West India. Apart from these, West India is the abode of excellent Chanderi Sarees, Embroidered Tinsel Sarees, Gujarati Brocade Sarees, Maheshwari Sarees, Paithani Sarees, Patola Sarees, Tussar Sarees, etc. Bandhani sarees are created by the artisans in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The traditional and most famous type of Gujarati saree called the Gharchola is admired in the West India for its ethnic look.
South India is one of the major saree-weaving regions that produce silk, cotton, rayon and polyester sarees. It is widely practised in Bengaluru, Kolar, Tumkur, Mysore, Mandya districts and other places. Most admired sarees like Konrad silk saree, Mysore crepe saree, Coimbatore silks, Muburtham sarees and several others are produced in the southern region of India. South India is the centre for creating heavy sarees that are bedecked with zari. The women of this region prefer to wear sarees that carry the traditional importance. The weavers and the artisans of this region create sarees like Chettinad Sarees, Gadwal Sarees, Kanjeevaram Sarees, Konrad Sarees, Mysore Silk Sarees, Pochampally Sarees etc.
The east region of India has a distinct style and the artisans of this region follow an exclusive manner while creating sarees for the women of East India. The major natural fibres, namely cotton, mulberry silk and wild silk have traditionally been cultivated and woven in this region. Interlocked-weft weaving is found throughout the eastern half of India from the north-eastern state of Manipur to the south-eastern state of Tamil Nadu, and is commonly found in older Bengali and Banarasi sarees. These types of sarees are decorated with straight borders and temple motifs. Many traditional eastern-region sarees display simple palettes based on the natural colours of the fibres used. Many of the expensive and traditional saree of this region include Jamdani muslins and Bangladeshi Muslins that are archetypal of the eastern region. Decca muslins are the amalgamation of the tradition of Bengal and Bangladesh and representative of the creative faculty that the artisans and the weavers of this region possess.
Bengali silks also possess a rich heritage and are worn by the upper class women in ceremonial and religious occasions. Recently red-bordered, white silk sarees are often worn by high-caste Bengali women during marriages. Such sarees are also traditionally worn in Durga puja. Apart from these sarees, east India exhibits an array of sarees including Baluchari Sarees, Bomkai Sarees, Muga Sarees, Pat Sarees, Embroidered Sarees that involves the Kantha embroidery, applique work, Chikankari embroidery, Tussar sarees, Sambalpuri Sarees, Khadi Sarees, etc. Bengal is the domicile of "Tant" sarees that are said to the pride of Bengal.
The Indian sarees have a great variety as the sarees of North India displays distinct styles that stand apart from the sarees of other regions. The most famous saree of this region is Banarasi saree that is exemplary for the intricate designs created with high quality zari. Though Banarasi sarees have a great traditional value, this region is the hub for making exclusive sarees like Bandhani Sarees, Chikan Sarees, Kota Sarees, Tanchoi Sarees, Tissue Sarees etc. Each saree has a distinct feature distinguishing them from one another.
With changing times the designs, hues and materials for the Indian sarees have been experimented with. Whether it"s a wedding, a "pooja" or any other special occasion sarees are preferred by women. In fact Indian sarees remain indispensable attires during festivities.
