Tant saree, the everyday wear of Bengal, is now an internationally acclaimed fashion

Do you remember ‘Arati’ from Satyajit Ray’s ‘Mahanagar’? The 60’s woman who revolted against the societal norms to feed her family and in-laws. 

What do you think is the most attractive thing about her?

In the era of housewives, she chose to be a corporate salesgirl and become the sole breadwinner of her family.

Mahanagar’s Arati is not merely a Ray’s heroine. She is the epitome of modern Kolkata.

Her extremely stylish ‘Tant look’ is capable enough to fade away even the voguish style statements.  

I, being a Hardcore Ray fan, now understand why Ray’s heroine carries a very unique feminism. 

Its not about her towering personality, it's about the way she carries her saree with elegance.

History proved that the British had killed the ‘Tant’ industry once

Tant sarees are the queen of the tropical wardrobe.

Now, don't get confused.

I understand that if you compare this saree with heavy silks and synthetic fabrics, then these 6-yard cottons are nothing but just a subtle garment. 

But let me tell you that's the beauty of Bengal Tant.

This airy and transparent elegance is the only reason why Bengali mothers and aunties still survive in the scorching sun of Summer.

The survival theory of Tant is very dramatic. It literally died on a brutal onslaught during the British Raj. To sell the Manchester textiles, the Britishers literally killed the ‘tant’ industry along with the weavers’ souls.

But is it really that easy to wipe away an art?

This ‘weaving art’ Tant raised its head again.

Specialities of a Tant Saree

‘Tant’ has its own glory as well. Under the royal patronage of the Mughals, its journey started. 

The Mughals brought some legendary Jamdanis weavers from Dhaka to make customised dresses for the members of their ‘Harem’. 

Under the Mughals’ favour, Tant has reached another dimension. 

After the Independence in 1947, some Hindu weavers migrated from Dhaka and Tangail to Shantipur, Fulia, Atpur and Hooghly.

That's how, dear reader, the Shanttipuri, Fulia and Begampuri saree-making art flourished in different places of Bengal.  

The phonetic experts claimed that the term “Atpoure”, derived from the place called Atpur. Previously, that place was famous for producing the dhoti and light sarees for everyday wear. That's why the word ‘Atpoure’ denotes the ‘common wear’ of the Bengalis.

If you closely analyse the anatomy of a Tant Saree, then you can observe that the Tant always carries its signature thick border, decorative pallu, along with the traditional motifs of bhomra, tabij and hathi. 

FAQs

1. What is the meaning of Tant?

Tant means the cotton saree used for everyday wear and made out of breathable fabric so that the wearer can survive through the tropical humidity.

2. Which state is famous for the tant saree?

West Bengal is generally famous for Tant, but many other states like Telangana and Odisha are now also into Tant Benarasi production. Tant saree West Bengal is famous these days.

3. Where can you buy the best Tant saree?

There are many Tant Houses in Kolkata, but the Tant saree online shopping is now trending. Online, you can also compare the Tant saree price from various websites.

4. What is the procedure of tant saree making?

Tant Saree is generally weave in pit loom. The threads are generally woven by interlacing the weft and warp, incorporating the floral designs throughout the body.

5. How to identify the Tant Saree?

If the saree has a thick border, along with bhromra motifs and the 

6. What is the price of an original Tant?

The Tant saree price in kolkata in very low. But if it is made by handloom, then the price could vary as the service charge of the weavers is incorporated within the price.