The Kanchipuram silk sari is a type of silk sari made in the Kanchipuram
region in Tamil Nadu, India. These saris are worn as bridal and special
occasion saris by most women in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh.
It has been recognized as a Geographical indication by the Government of India
in 2005–2006.
As of 2008, an estimated 5,000 families were involved in sari production.
There are 25 silk and cotton yarn industries and 60 dyeing units in the
region.
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Entering Sri Varadha Silk House
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Weaving
The saris are woven from pure mulberry silk thread.
The pure mulberry silk and the Zari used in the making of Kanchipuram
saris comes from South India.
- To weave a Kanchipuram sari three shuttles are used.
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While the weaver works on the right side, his aide works on the left
side shuttle.
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The border colour and design are usually quite different from the
body. If the mundhi (the hanging end of the sari) has to be woven in a
different shade, it is first separately woven and then delicately
joined to the Sari.
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The part where the body meets the mundhi is often denoted by a zigzag
line.
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In a genuine Kanchipuram Silk Sari, body and border are woven
separately and then interlocked together. The joint is woven so
strongly that even if the saris tears, the border will not detach.
That differentiates the kanchivaram silk saris from the others.
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Design
Saris are distinguished by their wide contrast
borders. Temple borders, checks, stripes and floral (buttas) are
traditional designs found on a Kanchipuram saris.
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The patterns and designs in the kanchipuram saris were inspired with
images and scriptures in South Indian temples or natural features like
leaves, birds and animals.
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These are saris with rich woven mundhi showing paintings of Raja Ravi
Varma and epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana.
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Kanchipuram saris vary widely in cost depending upon the intricacy of
work, colours, pattern, material used like zari (gold thread) etc.
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The silk is also known for its quality and craftsmanship, which has
helped earn its name.
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Kanchipuram saris woven with heavy silk and gold cloth are considered
to be special and are worn on occasions and festivities.
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See Also
Source
Location
