In India, Saree symbolizes gestures of femininity. Many South Asian countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are fascinated by the sarees, but India always seems to top the list amongst other saree-wearing nations. We are all aware that India had a great chance to adopt the Middle East and European touch, but the saree culture and tradition remained pristine. When we look back into history, we can see the changes undergone by vivid cultures, designs, colors, and draping styles. Today, saree is more than just an attire worn at festivals and rituals; it’s an emotion and an element of art.
Also known as six yards of pure elegance, grace, and beauty, Saree is India’s forebearer and the till-date surviving unstitched clothing from the past. Ever thought about how long sarees have been a part of our lives? Well, The loom presents to you an exquisite guide to the evolution of sarees.
ORIGIN
Indian weaving is celebrated from the Mesopotamian civilization, and so is the art of interlacing natural fibers into fabric. Cotton fabrics were well known to the people of contemporary Indus Valley civilization. They decked loincloths, which were long pieces of fabric around them. Men wore them in Kachcha style, which helped in the easy movement of the lower torso. These are visible in the ancient seals and figurines. Women used to drape sarees so that the drape divided both the legs in the form of trousers. Since then, this garment has evolved with vivid traditions, culture, weather conditions, and occasions. The most common form is the one worn with a blouse, petticoat underneath the saree, tucked with pleats.
HOW IS SAREE INDIGENOUS TO INDIA?
The word “SAREE” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Sattika,” which means the early Buddhist literature. Later on, the word was compressed to “sati” and later modified to “saree”. A majority of the Indus Valley civilization figurines recovered represented female Indian goddesses embellished with a cloth draped like a saree. “Dhoti” is considered the foundation of a saree worn by both men and women. The ancient goddesses from the South used to drape in the “fishtail” manner, comprising a 2-piece garment- shawl and lungi. Clothes pierced with needles were considered impure amongst Hindus. But with the emergence of Islam, the petticoat was discovered, and clothes were stitched.
TYPES OF SAREES
East India
Kantha Sarees- Kantha’s origin is from the eastern regions of India- Odisha, and Tripura. The traditional embroidery comprises running stitch with decorative motifs. The entire fabric is covered with running stitch and floral, folk, bird, and animal motifs. The sarees are a result of immense labor and hard work.
North India
Chikankari sarees: Chikankari is mostly fabricated in light-density fabrics, such as mulmul, cotton, muslin, and chiffon. Every motif infuses 40 different stitches, six being basic and the rest are designed and created. The delicate thread work and unique grace are what make Chikankari Sarees perfect.
Banarasi Silks: The grace of Banarasi silk sarees is rooted in Mahabharata’s Buddhist scriptures and times. Earlier, real silver and gold threads were embellished into the finest silk, and it took more than a year to curate a single saree. Today’s Banarasi sarees are an amalgamation of Mughal and Indian influence.
Kota Doria sarees: India has scorching summers; Kota Doria sarees are the easiest pick because of their light weightedness and bright hues. The Kota Doria sarees embrace khats, checkered patterns on the base, with paisley prints and floral motifs.
Tissue sarees: One of the most adorned sarees amongst the youths is the tissue sarees. These six-yard staples have got all the uniqueness and amp up the style quotient. The fabric is extremely light and sheer and is embellished with hand-paint, sequins, and zari embroidery.
West India
Bandhani Saree- Bandhani, meaning tie-dye, hails from Gujarat and Rajasthan. You’ll find these sarees in cotton, synthetic, and silk. Red and black combinations, sarees with a single color, and white base are most commonly available.
South India
Mysore silk sarees: Mysore, one of the most treasured silks from Southern India, is an intriguing amalgamation of richness, color, and cultural appeal. It’s available in bright shining colors and weighs between 400-600 grams. Its price varies with the weight.
Kanjeevaram Sarees: Kanjeevaram or Kancheepuram sarees are handwoven from the purest form of mulberry silk threads. These are undoubtedly some of the most magnificent and richest sarees that Indian weavers boast of. Originally they were created out of a red and gold shade palette. Silk threads are dipped in a silver and gold liquid to create motifs. Now they are available in vivid colors, and hardly any saree can beat the grandeur of Kanjeevaram sarees.
India is getting modernized every day. But there is no doubt that sarees are still the most adorned attires of Indian divas.
