Kanchipuram Silk - History, Origin And Features

Source - Studio Online

Sarees always been an essential piece of clothing for the Indian culture. 

The very first thing that comes to our mind when we hear the term "saree" is the brightness, sheen, and richness of a Kanchipuram saree. The term "Kanchipuram saree" is often used to refer to a high-quality silk saree. The Kanchipuram silk saree continues to maintain it's prominence among the numerous types of silk sarees available in the country today.

Essence of the Kanchipuram 

Kanchipuram is a prominent town in the whole south India due to two motives, primarily it is honored as “City of thousand temples” with magnificent architecture and breath-taking construction which is captioned by different architecture which shows the evidence to the renowned Dravidian heritage. 

Another reason is popular for its Queen of silk sarees- “Kanchivaram silk”.

History of Kanchipattu

Kanchipuram silk has a long history, dating back over 400 years. The most well known king of Chola dynasty “krishnadevaraya” has come up with big achievement in silk trade.

The "Saligars" and "Devangas," two notable weaving groups at the time, settled in Kanchipuram's district and demonstrated their silk weaving skills. This excellent art underwent a setback during French invasion in the 17th century, eventually regained its importance. It is believed that weavers from Kanchipuram have settled 400 years back, and the weavers were coined as outstanding producers of silk sarees around the world in the country

It’s uniqueness and cost

Source - Studio Online

In this ancient city the integrity of the silk is handwoven with big efforts to make Kanchipuram silk saree. Pure mulberry silk threads, zari (gold and silver threads),and dye are the major basic materials used. 

The price range starts at Rs. 2000 and goes all the way up to lakhs of rupees.

In the whole south of India, Kanchipuram sarees are an essential aspect of weddings, regardless of caste, creed, irreligion. Kanchipuram silk sarees have designs woven in pure zarigha threads with patterns ranging from figurines to temple towers around the border. 

Pallava temples, palaces, and paintings are frequently included in the patterns of these silk sarees. 

Features of the Kanchipuram Saree 

Source - Studio Online

Kanchipattu (silk saree from Kanchipuram) are well known for its make from huge pile of mulberry silk that is garnished by silk yarn intertwined with pure silver zarigha, a manifestation of the great dynasties of South like the Cheras, the Cholas, the Pandias and the Pallavas.

The Kanchipuram silk saree takes the pattern from the cultural symbols from the region. The kanjeevaram sarees features in traditional pattern that includes Rudraksham (Rudraksha beads), Gopuram (temple towers), ‘Mallimogu’(jasmine flower), ‘Mayilkan’ (peacock’s eye), ‘Kuyilkan’ (nightingale eye) borders.

In Kanjeevaram sarees, it captioned few traditional patterns shaped with the assistance of lines and squares. The Thandavalam theme features parallel-line motifs throughout body of the sari, but the Pattu motif features floral motifs woven separately on the pallu and border. The jasmine pattern whether it’s on self or within the square or round frame are called Mallimogu.

We can glimpse articulation of a scenes from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata on greatly woven pallus and presently on the borders of modern Kanchipattu sarees furthermore grand paintings by Ravi Verma would manifest, as a result, they encourage innovation while maintaining their traditional beliefs and splendor. 

Facts about Kanchipattu

1. In 2005, the Government of India officially recognized Kanchipuram sarees as a Geographical icon of Tamil Nadu.

2. Peacocks, elephants, and other animal themes are woven into Kanchipuram silk sarees.This weave pays tribute to South Indian myths, mythology, and traditions in this way.

3. Time carried for Weaving a single Kanchipuram silk saree takes somewhere close to four months from the time it’s entirely woven by hands. 

4. The mythology behind the Kanchipuram silk saree is a symbol of honour to the vaishavnite(followers of lord Vishnu) at tamilnadu as it’s explains lord Vishnu relish's silk fabric as a favourite silk over any other fabric.

5. The weavers of Kanchipuram silk sarees will always hold to certain rituals while making bridal kanjeevaram saree that shows it’s unique.

6. Kanchipuram saree is intertwined with the silk with lovely designs. Zarigha work is weaved in gold dipped in actual silver threads in the border and pallu sections. As a result, the more zarigha, the more expensive the saree.

Bollywood sensations in Kanchipuram silk sarees 

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Kanchipuram silks are adored by Vidya Balan, Rekha, Kiron Kher, and Hema Malini. 

Kanchipuram silk sarees are a twist on Tamil Nadu's Konrad temple sarees, with its broad borders, vibrant , and impulsive designs. The recent trend to get on the direction of modern group the Kanchipuram silk include semi wrapped sarees which is simple to wear, further more Kanchipuram weave kurtas or dupatta's.

The possibilities for silk saree fashion trends include combining the traditional weave with a modernistic shirt, wearing it as a lehenga saree, or wearing it in the Gujarati way.

Written By - Pratthiksha shree A

Edited By - Tushna Choksey


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