The Inside Story of Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

The Origin

Sometime in the distant past, there was an ace weaver named Sage Markanda. He was well known for his privilege of weaving for the Gods. History also speaks of his ability to weave clothes using the petals of the lotus flower. He knew the most loved texture of all Gods – while Vishnu loved silk, Shiva loved cotton. His skills have been passed on hereditarily to his descendants, who are now known as the Kanchi silk weavers.

These Kanchi weavers are the ones behind the magnificent silk sarees that are a part of every Indian occasion today. Kanchipuram silk woven sarees cannot be considered ordinary. Kanchipuram is a town in India where these sarees are often woven. It is otherwise known as “The city of a thousand sanctuaries”.

As indicated by History, the city of Kanchipuram came into prominence 400 years ago. This was when two major weaving groups, the Saligars and the Devangas, took charge, migrating from a neighboring state. These two groups were at that point renowned for their silk weaving abilities, and silk was truly exceptionally well-known in this town. Eventually, Kanchipuram turned out to be the mother of Kanchipuram sarees.

Demand for Kanchipuram silk sarees

In South India, these sarees are viewed as extremely exceptional. Kanchipuram silk sarees are a must in any Indian wedding. The sarees are indeed extraordinary for their unrivaled and uncommon shading mixes of hues. The price of these sarees could range from Rs. 2500 – Rs. 1, 00,000as per the workmanship involved.

The Making of the Sarees

These sarees are basically hand-woven from very pure mulberry silk strings. Most businessmen engage themselves in weaving the saree rather than placing the silk threads. The principal crude materials that go into the making of a Kanchipuram Saree are – mulberry silk strings, colors, and zari (decorative gold or silver thread).

What Does a Kanchipuram Saree Look Like?

The body, the outskirts, and the pallu make the three typical parts of a Kanchipuram saree. Weavers often use three single strings of zari and silk yarn to make a saree. In case the pallu bears a different color in contrast to the body of the saree, it is woven separately and attached later on.

What Are the Themes for Making Prints on the Saree?

Innovation is the key, and thus have the traditional designs have been taken over by modern ideologies. Chariots, parrots, lions, peacocks, mangoes, coins, and much more can be seen beautifying the Kanchipuram sarees.

Even though the Kanchipuram Saree industry in Kanchipuram is confronting a major challenge because of an increase in crude material and production cost, women have been cherishing Kanchipuram Silk Sarees to an ever-increasing extent. At least one saree in a woman’s wardrobe collection is meant to be of the Kanchipuram variety.

Summary

It is very important to uphold the tradition of our country. Weaving is a skill that has to be encouraged by means of purchasing the beautiful outcomes of the same. Kanchipuram sarees are sure to add glory to your wardrobe.