Kanchipuram Saree

Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

Indian saris come in a mind-boggling variety of textures, colors and designs. Silk saris form an integral part of Indian weddings and celebrations. The rich weave and feel of kanjivaram silk saris hold everyone in their sway. Be it simple contrast border silk sarees or those with gold zari dots and patterns, the kanjivaram silk sari continues to hold pride of place among the various silk sari varieties available in the country. The other popular silk sari varieties are the Benaras silk saris or Patola silk sarees. Kanjivaram silk is preferred for bridal sarees for its durability and grandeur.

Kanchipuram silk saris

The temple city of Kanchipuram is renowned for its distinctive weaving style. The rich kanchipuram silk sarees date back nearly 400 years when they were woven in the temples. Probably the most superior and famous of silk in the world is the ‘Kancheepuram silk’ of Tamilnadu. The town is also known as ‘Silk city’ because the main profession of the people living in and around Kancheepuram is weaving silk sarees. In fact more than 5000 families are engaged in the silk industry.

The neighboring areas of Arani, Kumbakonam and Thirubhavanam also form an integral part of the silk weaving industry. The mulberry silk comes from Karnataka while the gold zari comes from Surat. Since the maximum length on a traditional loom is 18-yard warp, it ensures that not more than 3 silk saris can look alike. Nimble fingers weave yards of magic with color and design to give you silk material that can also be fashioned into garments such as lehengas, pavadais and salwar kameez.

The unique feature of Kanjivaram silk saris is its special weaving technique - one that uses three single threads of silk yarn along with zari. This accounts for its durability and lustre. Be it wedding sarees or festive sarees, Indian silk sarees are a class apart!

Historical records reveal that it was during the reign of Krishnadeva Raya that silk weaving rose to eminence in Kancheepuram. During this time, the Devanga and Saligar weavers, who were reputed for their weaving skills in silk transmigrated from Andhra Pradesh and settled in Kancheepuram in Tamilnadu.

Kanchipuram silk sari guide

The Kancheepuram silk sarees is noted for its double warp and double weft. In a genuine Kancheepuram silk saree, the border, body and the pallu are woven separately and then interlocked together. This joint is woven so strongly that even if the saree tears, the pallu or border will not detach.

The gold in the motifs in Kancheepuram silk sarees is incorporated by dipping the silk threads into liquid gold and silver. This enhances the ethnic beauty and value of silk. Some of the traditional motifs featured in the Kancheepuram silk sarees are ‘rudraksham’, ‘malli mogu’ and ‘gopuram’, ‘mayilkan’ (peacock’s eye), ‘kuyilkan’ (nightingale eye) borders.

The Kancheepuram silk sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk. They are of enviable texture, luster and durability and finish. The sarees come in an array of dazzling colors and are available in every imaginable design and variety.

Kanjivaram silk saris are a must-have on every south Indian bride's trousseau. The heavy silk saris characterized by gold borders are very popular, especially in Tamil Nadu and South India. Contrast colors for pallav and borders are a hallmark with most kanjivaram silks. Earlier, designs for these Indian silk sarees were restricted to conservative stripes or gold dots. Motifs represented various elements of nature such as birds, leaves and flowers.

Today, the kanjivaram silk saree has undergone a metamorphosis. It has kept pace with modern prints and its rich and magnificent grandeur continues to lend a festive touch to any occasion. Today you can find designer silk sarees with embroidery or even embellished with cystals. Do not be surprised to find wedding sarees with rich woven pallavs depicting paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.