The popular Kanchipuram silk saree is a traditional handmade pure silk saree made in the bylanes of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India. Kanchipuram, also known as the ‘Community of Hundred Temples,’ has beautiful temples with unique architects. Kanchipuram silk sarees originated around five hundred years ago, during the rule of King Krishna Deva-Raya of the Chola Period, when two major weavers groups of Andhra Pradesh, the Devangas and the Saligars, shifted to this area. The rich temple heritage in this delightful old town, as well as the use and practicing of wearing silk in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and memorial services, is said to be the factor why traditional populations were established here. These two handloom communities were and continue to be world-renowned for their silk weaving abilities.
Kanchipuram Silk sarees are known as the “Princess of Sarees” due to their sparkle, reliability, and twinkle from the magnificent zari work. They are a much-preferred part of an Indian bride’s wedding outfit and are often handed down for decades. They are made to wear by all ages for all kinds of functions and ceremonies. The weight of the sarees is usually used to grade their reliability. The higher the weight of the sarees, the higher the level. These silk sarees are better described as lustrous with zari work.
Zari is a magnetic thread made of gold or silver that is interlaced with silk to make different patterns. Historically, representations of Kanchipuram Sari are heavily influenced by the Pallava Dynasty’s style and architecture—their temples, palaces, and works of art. However, sequences from the great Indian epics of Hindu mythology can also be seen. The use of ethnic and fashionable patterns has also evolved over time. Some popular traditional themes include a rosebud within a shaped or round frame, known locally as mallimaggu, or Thandavalam, in which interconnect routes run across the skin of the saree.
Creating a Kanchipuram Silk Saree
The Saree is made with carefully filtered and equipped mulberry silk thread in the chosen color. The fabric used in Kanchipuram sarees is of the best standard, with no cuts or breaks. The weaver sets up the boundary, body, and pallu of the sarees independently and then securely interlocks them to develop one part, which is unique to Kanchipuram Saree. A weavers technique known as ‘korvai kanjivaram sarees‘ is used, in which the saree’s magnificent border and pallu are a darker color than the main structure of the saree. A Kanchipuram requires multiple workers to weave it using several weavers and interconnected thread strategies.
A simple Kanchipuram saree can take up to one to two weeks to prepare, while a more embroidered one can take approximately 20 days. The expense of the saree is also determined by the number of zari weaved into it. The more Zari, the more costly the saree. Deep cleaning is always the best way to keep a fine silk saree in perfect condition.
Accessorizing and Layering
Historically, a Kanchipuram Silk Saree was a nine-yard saree that symbolized the civilization of creating geometric patterns in temple tales. These outfits were transformed over time to six yards with a gold zari handloom that can be draped normally. Beginning at the finish of the sarees opposite the brightly colored Pallu, begin covering the sarees around the abdomen.
A Kanchipuram silk is undoubtedly the ‘Goddess of silks,’ and owning one, which has been passed down through the generations of women in a community, is a very attractive addition to anyone’s wardrobe.
Add Comment