Kanjivaram Saree, the silk that speaks about India's rich heritage
Let me ask you something.
When you look for a saree, what do you actually see?
Just the fabric… or something more?
Because the truth is, the fabric, motifs, borders, and everything has its own contribution to transform a simple piece of cloth into an art.
So, a saree is never just a traditional garment. It is an emotion.
When a woman drapes a saree, she isn’t simply wearing a cloth. She carries centuries of artistry, where every pleat tells a story.
But in today’s generation, girls have their own preferences.
Some swear by the comfort of the fabric, so they prefer cotton. Some are in love with motifs, so they go for the Baluchori or Paithani. And those who prefer borders and motifs both go for Kanjivaram.
Today, we will be talking about Kanjivaram saree, the Gorgeous silks of South India.
Stay with us till the end.
Know How People Were Fascinated By Fabrics During The 14th Century
Have you heard of Muhammad bin Tughlaq? The Sultan who once decided to shift his entire capital from Delhi to Daulatabad?
Yes, you are hearing right, the entire capital.
Though he is not directly associated with Kanjivaram’s origin. But in a way, he contributed to its evaluation.
Some stories from the past claimed that during the shift, he made a giant human slingshot to fling people across a distance, but his dresses were travelling in his special carriage.
Whether this shifting story is exaggerated or not, that is still debatable. But his extraordinary love for the textiles is real.
Some claimed, in a way, he also wanted to build a medieval version of today’s luxury fashion houses.
The Weaving Of Kanjivaram Sarees Is Nothing But An Art Form
Have you ever touched a Kanjivaram Saree?
The richness you get to feel after touching it comes from pure mulberry silk, which is made of the most luxurious natural fibre in the world.
Before the weaving starts, three silk threads are twisted together; then the weaving process starts.
That's why these fabrics are incredibly strong. And kanjivaram silk prices are also very high, as a single saree takes 10 to 15 days to complete.
This three-thread twisting technique was perfected over centuries by two weaving communities, Devangas and Saligers.
Devangas are a special weaving community of Tamil Nadu, who also happen to be the ancestors of Rishi Markandeya. Saligers are also weavers, but they migrated from Andhra Pradesh.
There is a folklore in South India that depicts Rishi Markandeya and his descendants used to weave Kanjivaram silks for the Gods and Goddesses of heaven.
Over time, this celestial craft found its way to humans.
FAQ
1. What is the Price of a Pure Kanjivram Saree?
The Pure Kanjivaram Silk Price generally starts from 12k, but it can go upto 5 lakhs depending upon the designs woven on the saree.
2. What is so special about Kanjivaram saree?
The saree’s Zari border is made separately and then attached to the saree with the special korvai technique. That is very special about this saree.
3. What is so special about Kanjivaram saree Motifs?
the temple inspired motifs are very famous is kanjivaram saree. But the jasmine bud motifs, framed in a circle is called ‘Malinaggu’ is also very famous motifs of Kanjivaram. The parallel line motifs, which are called ‘Thandavalam’, are also very special motifs of Kanjivaram.
4. Which City is famous for kanjivaram saree?
Kanchipuram city of Tamil Nadu, which is also lovingly called the ‘silk city’, is famous for the Kanjivaram Saree. More than 5,000 families in the city still depend on this craft for their livelihood.
5. How to identify the Pure Kanchiram saree?
You can verify the zari border with a scratch. If the border remains intact, then you can be assured that your Saree is a pure Kanchipuram Saree. You can also look for the Korvai stitch, through which the zari border is attached to the main Body of kanjivaram silk. The symmetrical motifs are also the signature design of the Kanchipuram saree.