Kantha Sarees are one of the most famous sarees in West Bengal. Known for its delicate embroidery, the sarees sell by the name of the Kantha Embroidery than the cloth of the sari.
Kantha involves running embroidery. In Kantha, the cloth is given layers which are then closed by the designer stitches. The art of Stitches is so beautiful that the layers of cloth cannot be seen. Only one layer is seen and looks as if the stitching is done on a single layer rather than the on multiple layers of cloth. Kantha is also said to be doruka meaning turning the worn out clothes into a new one.
Kantha comes in a number of varieties. Like the Archilata Kantha, Baiton Kantha, Durjani Kantha, Lep Kantha, Oaar Kantha, Sujani Kantha, Rumal Kantha. All of them have various uses like some are used to cover mirrors, some for covering books, some for making quilted wallets, some for making warm quilts, some for making blankets and spreads. Various varieties are used for various uses. But the most famous are the Kantha Sarees which top all other varieties of Kantha Embroidery.
History of Kantha Embroidery
Kantha evolved out of the necessity to drape against cold. Kantha in Sanskrit means rags. In other words it is called as Indian Recycling Art. In the olden days when the silks and musins became worn out, the Bengali women instead of throwing them away stitched them and turned them into beautiful clothes. The legend is also that such an art was also used by the Buddhists to save themselves from cold.
The Saree
Generally speaking a Kantha Saree is a work on 5.5 ft long silk saree with a beautiful border and all over work. The work usually depicts heritage depicting wedding, doli, floral baskets , silver and green forests and little flowers. These come in all colors and range anything from $ 100 a piece. The motifs also depict the rich and high class society with different aspects of life. In fact, each piece of a Kantha Saree depict a different aspect of life.
If you want to buy the best quality of Kantha Saree, then you should go to Kolkatta to buy the best at the lowest price. Because Kantha is home product of bengal is easily found there. So when you are in Bengal, don't forget to buy a piece.
Saris, the six meter long cloth are one of the traditional Indian Dresses. For most of the Indians, they mark the Indian Culture in true sense. Draped in a number of ways, these make one of the charms of Indian Women. Capitulated, captured, designed, engrooved, these masterpieces come in one of the most unique ways. Each piece has its own unique identity.
As saris present the Culture of India, there are also the varieties of saris which come in vibrant colors and designs. Saris differ per region, that means as you move along the border lines different states of India, you will find difference in the cloth, embroidery, design and the quality of work. Basically Indian Saris come in Silk, cottons, chiffon and Georget kind of cloths. Out of these hundred varieties of sarees are made. Like the kanjivarumns, kota silk, Katha silk, zardosi and the maheshwaris and bandhej make for some of the most famous saris.
A lot also depends on the fabric which is being used. The same design and work would give a totally different look when worked upon a different type of cloth. See the sheen of a saree when its done on a plain cotton cloth and then on net. You will find a totally different look. The various fabrics used in saris are crepe, brocade, georgete, jaamavar, net, silk and tissue.
Not only the fabric varies but also the work . The most sought after and famous works done of saris are aabia, aari, beads, chikankari, cut work, gold work, gota, jamdani, kantha, meenakari, mukesh, stone, paisley, tikki, zari, zardosi, kundan , knots and faroonkhabadi.
It takes months to make a sari especially when its hand woven. The time o f making a saree increases when the work of embroidery is there. The thinner the cloth, the delicate the work and more the time to make one piece. The price of a sari also depends upon embroidery. The heavier and the more intricate the embroidery, more the price of the sari.
Another class of saris are the South Indian Sarees. These are a class apart as these are made on pure silk. These are known as Kanjivurumns. Begining from a range of Rs 5000/- minimum , these are supposed to be a special gift in most of the Indian Wedding. At least one Kanjivurum is kept with every brides belongings. Its a pized possession!
For every piece which is woven or handmade comes the emotions of Indian women. Cradelled and then sent away, these saris make one of the most important things of a Indian Women, just like her Jewellery !
Mukti Sharma
