Silk always has been a heartbreaker when it comes to sarees. The cloth emanates absolute elegance and is suitable for any occasion. It’s so easy to wear and lasts for years. Imagine a wedding. Could you leave the bride be on her own instead of draping her in silk? The fabric is expensive. Let us dive deep into the exciting facts about myriad forms of silk sarees across India. 

Kanchipuram Sarees

This saree was created during the reign of the Chola Period and is titled after the Dravidian temple town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. This is also known as Kanjivaram Sarees. Kanchi encouraged weavers to relocate there. These weavers are believed to be the descendants of Sage Markanda, God’s skilled weaver. The ‘korvai method’ of weaving was developed because the pallus and borders of the Korvai Kanjivaram Sarees became more prominent and magnificent.

The saris’ signature designs, such as peacocks, coconuts, mangos, grapes, flowers, and dancing mudras, are influenced by the town’s ancient Pallava artwork. With the inclusion of newer design elements, the foundation remains the same and symbolizes the cultural wealth of the past. Are you aware of the fact that the Kanchipuram silk GI sign?

Fact Check: The body and borders of genuine Kanchipuram Silk Sarees would be woven in separate portions. Even if the saree is damaged, these sections are interlocked in a robust joint that would not detach.

Patola Sarees

The word ‘Patola’ means ‘Queen of Silks.’ Patan, Gujarat, is the source of these handwoven virgin silk sarees. They’re usually woven with double-ikkat strands. In olden history, royal family and aristocrats wore Patola sarees. Interestingly, not everybody in Gujarat knows how to make this clothing. It’s a family heritage passed on from generation through the ages. Each saree would take anywhere between 6 months to a year to finish. Patola sarees are a regal affair, renowned for their vibrant colors and architectural designs.

The original weaver was from the Salvi caste, who arrived in Gujarat in the twelfth century from Maharashtra and Karnataka. The aim was to have the Solanki Rajputs sponsor the occasion, which they did. Remarkably, this artwork also was recognized in Indonesian culture at the time. Today patola sarees represent the symbol of class and status. Patola sarees have become the symbol of classes in society. It is considered part of a wedded woman’s’stridaan’ in Gujarat and could be claimed as her asset in the new household.

Fact Check: Since both sides of a double-ikkat Patola saree have the same appearance, it could be draped from any side.

Pochampally Sarees

Pochampally is a town in Telangana’s Nalgonda District that comprises eighty villages. The art of weaving sarees has indeed been practiced in this area for generations. Although this is now a fading art, the weavers have made every effort to preserve it. Pochampally fabric is also known as Chitki, Buddabhashi, or Pogudubandhu in the Andhra Pradesh State, based on the village where it is manufactured.

Pochampally has been added to UNESCO’s potential world heritage list as among India’s “iconic saree weaving clusters.” The air hostesses of Air India, the government’s aircraft, always seem to be dressed in Pochampally silk sarees, which could surprise you. 

Fact Check: Pochampally sarees have weaved patterns rather than traditional printed. Most of the layouts use a rumal design with wide, plain borders. 

There are also other Traditional Kanjivaram Sarees to discuss. Let’s put them in a different discussion. In the meantime, you could study these silk sarees. Their history is fascinating, and their manufacturing process is complicated. It’s no wonder because they’re so expensive and sought-after. These six yards are the pride of every Asian woman.