You might have dozens of sarees, each of a different type, in your wardrobe. Regardless, the craving for ‘just one more’ never diminishes! After all, couturiers refuse to stop exploring new ideas and experimenting with diverse styles, specifically as the saree is the traditional wear of Indian women. Check out if you have at least some of these sarees in your closet, and would like to add more!
Silk Sarees
- Paithani
There is something unique about this sparkling, dazzling, hand-crafted and rich-looking brocade saree from Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The fabric looks identical on both sides! The threads are of pure silk, while the zari is dipped in silver. The traditional tapestry technique comes into play, while the weavers create something that is a compulsory addition to every Maharashtrian bride’s trousseau.
- Kanjeevaram (Pattu)
Comprising of pure silk threads, this luxurious-looking saree is the traditional attire of Tamilian women at formal events, including weddings, engagements and anniversaries. The zari threads used to create the motifs are silk threads, which have been dipped in liquid silver/gold. The broad borders are gracefully elegant and eye-capturing, thanks to their glowing colours and patterns, which are completely different from those present on the body of the saree.
- Mysore
It is remembered for its attachment with the royal families of Mysore and the rest of Karnataka. The fabric is grandeur personified, thanks to the finery that remains undimmed with time. Even the workmanship is exquisite, since pure silver and gold threads come into play for creating kasuri embroidery. Even the pallu remains strong, since it is thickly woven. Best of all, the weavers and designers love to play with colours!
- Tussar/Kosa
The tribals in the forests of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Bhagalpur (Bihar) practice sericulture, cultivating the special silkworm moths, which reside on trees like Arjun, Sal, etc. Therefore, they call Tussar as Wild Silk too. Skilled weavers take this yarn with its superb texture, and add innovative designs, good-looking zari borders and beautiful motifs to it, with their hands.
- Chanderi
Originating in Madhya Pradesh, the wonderfully lightweight and glossily transparent saree, with its fine and pure texture, is a credit to the talent of the weavers belonging to Chanderi. The elaborately zari border is not the only attraction of this silky creation. There is the hand-woven motif or butti, comprising of an interlacing of copper-, gold- or silver-coated threads.
- Maheshwari
This handloom-woven saree may utilise cotton/silk fabric for displaying stunning visuals of floral, striped or checked patterns on its border and pallu. The hallmarks of excellence include the marvellous play of colours, skilful use of zari threads and vivid motifs. The lustre of the lightweight material serves to attract all eyes.
- Banarasi
It is a grand affair, indeed, wonderfully captivating to the eyes! The artfully woven silk threads and the usage of silver/gold zari, in order to create rich brocades, tend to increase the weight of the saree. The opulence also includes charming engravings and designs.
- Jamdhani
The weavers of West Bengal go in for a special technique of manual weaving, which utilises both, gold-coloured and cotton threads for displaying diverse patterns. Brilliant colours come into play for highlighting floral and geometric designs. The technique that enhances the appeal and look of the saree is a fine art weave attachment, which has a name, Jamdani.
- Patola
The women of the Solanki royal family in Gujarat favoured the theme of simple elegance. Therefore, the weavers of Patan Patola came up with the idea of taking recourse to a double ikat pattern on a silken background. In contemporary times, block prints have made an entry for creating light backgrounds covered with fresh-looking designs and floral motifs. The hues are generally light or pastel in nature. Even the borders are not opulent.
- Kota
The check patterns that show up on translucent and fine muslins (Mauria Malmal) owe their origin to pit looms. Although they look fragile, the square-shaped checks (Khats) are wonderfully durable and strong, thanks to the quality of the cotton threads. The fabric gains its lustre from silk threads. Even the technique for weaving is special. It is the Kota Doria weave, which comprises of the warp and the waft.
Arty Versions
- Kalamkari
The idea is to ‘tell a story’ via delightful decorations and floral patterns! The lengthy saree from Andhra Pradesh suffices to display the details vividly.
- Ikat
Precise placement of brilliantly coloured threads is responsible for this classic ethnic creation. In this case, cloth yarn fibres accept dye-resistant substances, such that penetration of the wrong dyes does not occur. Once these patterns are determined, the threads absorb dyes in different colours. Ikat is the brainchild of Rajkot in Gujarat and Pochampally in Andhra Pradesh.
- Bandhani
It is a tie-and-dye technique, which is native to Gujarat and Rajasthan. The skill lies in the manner of knotting and the resistance of these knots to dye penetration.
- Block Prints
Rajasthan brings you the Dabu and Bagru block printed sarees. Mud comes into play, albeit in a traditional and elaborate process for creating the Dabu print. Even the dyeing and printing method is unusual in nature.
The Bagru print is eco-friendly, since animals or plants contribute the dyes or colourants necessary for diverse block prints.
- Warli/Varli Paint
The name of the saree refers to the Adivasi tribe, which has transferred its themes used for wall paintings onto cloth in a unique and profound manner. The designs may seem like mere crooked lines and dots, but never fail to leave an impact on the viewer, for they depict scenes from daily life.
These are not the only sarees available in India. There are lots more! Suffice to say that you may continue to add, and add some more, to the collection nestling comfortably in your closet!
Summary
There is no dearth of sarees for the woman, who is keen to try all manner of traditional and contemporary styles in designs, as well as combinations and contrasts in colours.