Indian Sarees

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