BANARASI SILK! It goes beyond cultural ethics. It is an evoking emotion. They are worth the recognition as it never fails to captivate millions of hearts. Over the past few years, it has gradually become one of the most elegant attires in our wardrobe. To those who are clueless and wondering what’s so special about this beautiful Indian heirloom, this blog is for sure going to be an eye-opener.
Talking about authenticity, it has never been a question. Woven intricately in the thriving city of Banaras, this six-yard staple of joy is a blend of intricate weaves, utter concentration, and the hard work of local artisans. A perfection that brings along elegance and a modern necessity. Irrespective of the season or occasion, the beauty behind the intricacy is what makes women go gaga.
TALKING ABOUT THE ORIGIN
The Banarasi weaves have not only been a boom in the Indian fashion industry, but it has also scattered its impeccable impression and wave into Hollywood. Today’s modern Banarasi silk sari is a fusion of two vivid cultures, the Indians and the Mughals. Indian Banarasi sarees are broadly classified into two segments: designer and the traditional bridal.Today’s modern Banarasi silk sari is a fusion of two vivid cultures, the Indians and the Mughals. Indian Banarasi sarees are broadly classified as the designer segment and the traditional bridal.
Silk work can be dated back to the Vedic times. The word Hiranya has been mentioned in the Rigveda, which means goddess wearing attires made of gold. Scholars consider it truthful that the description mentioned in the Vedas are close to embroider zari gold, equivalent to Banarasi silk sarees.. Sayings for the same are also mentioned in Ramayana and Mahabharata. The ageless Pali Tales and Jataka Tales aid the evidence of the buzzing cloth trade at the holy shores of Ganga, Kashi.
There is no debate in the fact that Banaras has always been a centerpiece since immemorial time. But it was Mughal King Akbar who gave a drastic shot in the arm of the weaving industry. The emperor was so deeply in love with this beautiful staple that he covered his entire palace- wall hangings, carpets, in floaty Banarasi silk drapes.
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The impact was so eclectic that British colonists too got dazzled by its undeniable beauty a few centuries later. It was the emergence of post-independence that opened the golden gateway for small-scale artisans and industries to grow.
The handloom industry has had its glorious days and continuous fame since then. The faces behind these mellowy Banarasi silk sarees are the Bunkaars and the Karigaars, AKA the weavers. The Muslim weavers, known by the name and fame as “CHIRA-I-BAAF”, had all the skills to prosper this tradition in a unique direction. The Mughals incorporated the ideas from Persia, brought by the Persian Nakshabandhs.
Every weave of every region comes with its exceptional style- design, procedure. Along with social, geographical, and cultural traditions, migrating ethnic groups also significantly influence the evolution of Banarasi silk sarees.
EVOLUTION OF BANARASI SILK SAREES
We believe that there is a strong sense of constancy by heirloom. But, unfortunately, there has been a drop in the consumption of these beautiful six-yard staples in the past few decades, which adversely affected the handloom industry.
For a brighter attempt, the National Handloom Day, held in 2019, had a significant impact on bringing out the behind-scenes of the heirloom industry into the forefront. Since then, the textile ministry team had teamed up to arrange several memoranda to ensure the prosperous livelihood of the artisans.
But, with a gradual change in time and fashion, people have started accepting and valuing the craftsmanship and emotions that come along with these sarees.
As said earlier, old traditional crafts need to find their way to adapt to the modern manner of living to survive. The hardship behind the making of the Banarasi sari is still the same. Still, with the evolution of the Modern Era, the sarees have toned towards acquiring a minimalistic approach. Contrary to the vibrant colors used in the past, these sarees need to be toned down- minimal motifs, neutral tones.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Talking about the present scenario, the Banarasi silk craftsmanship is no longer confined to the usual six-yards show. Their aesthetic can be seen in multiple dimensions. Banarasi brocades are no longer held as a luxury status in wedding apparel. It has evolved beyond that. And the future is as bright as the glorious sun. It won’t ever fade away.
