"Mysore Silk Saree" known for its vibrant colours and minimal designs and its hand spun traditional silk. These sarees are a treat to see, feel and wear. These artistic silk sarees have adorned royals of Mysore for decades. The traditional Mysore Silk saree is regal in appearance and inspiring in its unchallenged position of pride. A royal fabric of grandeur, the Mysore silk saree was originally meant exclusively for the Royal family. Over a period of time it was available for high ranked and special status persons in society.
Mysore Silk Saree exhibiting a range of rich colours, with golden threads interwoven in it for an enhanced effect, has almost acquired a legendary status due to its sheer beauty and demand. After the commencement of weaving this particular type of saree, the Government Silk Weaving Factory had started weaving this kind of silk and is famous for producing beautiful Mysore Silk Sarees.
History of Mysore Silk Saree
Mysore Silk Sarees are manufactured in a silk factory located in Mysore city. This factory was started in the year 1912 by the Maharaja of Mysore by importing 32 looms from Switzerland.
Initially the silk fabrics were manufactured and supplied to meet the requirements of the royal family and ornamental fabrics to their armed forces. In 1980, this factory was transferred to KSIC.
Process of Mysore Silk Saree
The weight and the content of gold or silver thread used mainly in the intricate border and the pallu or the headpiece determine the price of the sarees. A saree usually weighs between 400 and 600 gms. The silk is dyed using natural pigments and woven into intricate but, subtle patterns featuring motifs of birds or fruits. The pain-staking production process by the weavers ensuring that every aspect of the saree is perfect.
Design and Colour of Mysore silk Saree
The recent trend has motivated the artisans to incorporate new designs and patterns along with the traditional designs. The distinguishing feature of this saree is the usage of pure silk and 100% pure gold zari. The Mysore silk saree is famous for the purity of its silk and a very pain-staking process in its making, which ensures that every aspect of the saree is perfect.
•Mysore silk saree with its extraordinary sheen of the fabric, purity of the zari, the distinctive drape, a wonderful non-crush quality and a butter-soft feel gives an elegant look to anyone who wears it.
•These classy sarees are not only washable, but also durable. The zari too rarely fades because the yarn used has the maximum gold and silver compared to any silk saree in the country.
•The intricate zari work on the borders and pallu set them apart. Mysore silk saree is undergoing a makeover with new Kasuti embroidery,
Bandhni designs, rich woven pallus, and with a palette of exciting vibrant colours lilac, ecru, coffee-brown and elephant-grey, and contemporary designs, all inspired by traditional Indian Architecture and Ancient Indian Jewellery. Kasuti work involves embroidering intricate patterns like chariot, lamps and conch shells on the fabrics.
Global Demand of Mysore Silk Saree
Today it is available to the market. Despite numerous other saree varieties flooding the market, neither has its demand reduced nor its appeal diminished for the undimmed finery and exquisite workmanship that are its hallmarks of excellence continue to remain as they always were. The sarees are admired because of the fabrics, vibrant colours and rich feel. One of the traditional sarees of South India, Mysore Silk Sarees has secured the top position in the list of the traditional sarees of South India. This particular silk saree is a form of Karnataka Silk and pure silk is commonly used as the fabric. The unique characteristic of this saree lies in the shimmering effect of the material. Mysore Silk Sarees has been ruling as one of the widely worn sarees in the region and are considered as one of the most famous and sought after sarees of south India. The Mysore Silk Sarees are found in different fabrics among which the Mysore Crepe Silk is highly acclaimed among the women of India.