.png)
Sarees are considered to be an Indian woman’s favorite attire. This never goes out of fashion. This piece of cloth in itself is elegant and gorgeous. Since the beginning of civilization, women around India have worn sarees. The fabrics used in sarees may vary, the designs are numerous, mesmerizing patterns but all result in elegance. Sarees come in fabrics such as cotton, silk, georgette, Chanderi, and many more.
The birth of Chanderi Sarees
Born in Madhya Pradesh, Worn by all India
The saree got its name from a small town in Madhya Pradesh, Chanderi in Ashok Nagar, a district in Madhya Pradesh. This town is famous for hand-woven Chanderi sarees. In the earlier 2nd century, Madhya Pradesh was known for its weaving. The fabric is soft, light, and comfortable, best for summers or winters. The sarees are made from the weaving of silk threads and golden Zarinn. It is a traditional cotton yarn to produce a shimmering pattern. The sarees were worn by queens and royal women of the town between the 12th and 13th centuries. they loved the fabric and sarees.
The Creation process
The Chanderi Sarees are hand-woven. The practice of Chanderi weaving has been practiced for many generations. This resulted in skill development and craftsmanship of weavers. And this cannot be replaced by machine looms or any other equipment. The Chanderi fabric is extracted from Kolikanda root. It is light but strong and gives the fabric a glossy finish. The sarees are woven with handspun cotton yarn.
Up to the last century, only white and off-white attire was woven with zari golden thread borders. The only thread used in warp thread was handspun cotton thread and raw silk, cotton, and zari. Nowadays, raw silk has a stronger finish. It is easier in making also. The traditional designs used to make Chanderi Sarees are butis. The weavers used different types of motifs with silver, gold, or copper dust.
It takes a minimum of three days to weave a Chanderi Saree. The time could be more than that depending upon the complexity of Design.
Chanderi Sarees in 2020
It is interesting to know that Chanderi Sarees are protected under the Geographical Indication of Goods(Registration and Protection) Act,1999. These sarees cannot be copied due to their exclusive designs and special silk yarn used in making. Did you know that there are 3,500 looms working in India currently, and thousand of artisans are dependent on this craft.
Chanderi is one of the most protected crafts in India. The government, designers, and even your favorite Bollywood celebrities this beautiful fabric.