Kancheepuram Silk Sarees: The Quintessence of Indian Handloom Sarees

Kancheepuram silk sarees are elegant and are part of Indian traditional wear and handloom fabric culture. These shiny silk sarees were developed thousands of years ago in the temple town of Kancheepuram in the Tamil Nadu region, and some of the weaving procedures are still being passed on from one generation to another. Kancheepuram or Kanchipuram silk sarees are among the most popular traditional sarees in India, signifying the intention of royalty and excellent work. In 2005 and 2006, the Indian government officially recognised Kanchipuram silk as a Geographical Indicator (GI) product.

It has been around 400 years since Kancheepuram was famous for handwoven silk textiles of great quality. However, there is evidence of these stunning sarees dating back to at least the second century BC, when the sarees were made from pure silk fabric, and the zari or the golden stripe was woven into the fabric. It was even used only by the royals and elite women of temple dancers in the early days.

As early as the 16th century AD, anyone who could lay their hands on these luxurious silks wore them with temple jewellery accessories for religious or social occasions. It means that the designs and motifs used in the making of tools were intricate and resembled the grand temple structure and carvings of the time. With the passing of the next few centuries, the Kancheepuram silks depicted an even better standard of designs and started gaining fame in all the Indian courts.

The original Kancheepuram sarees are produced with the best quality mulberry silk yarns procured from certain regions of Tamil Nadu, such as Arni and Thirubhuvanam. These are then processed and translated into sarees with rich pallus and borders by hand weaving using fine, lustrous silk yarns on looms by expert weavers.

Plain silk is used for the body, and pallus include stripes, checks or floral vines and bright golden/silver zari booties. The most elaborative difference is in the broad stripes with delicate traces in geometric patterns of temple pinnacles and gods and other things of nature. Floral work is very popular among these auspicious sarees, and other exclusive Indian designs and motifs such as mangoes, parrots, leaves and lotus buds are also used frequently.

There is a difference when it comes to the basic body and the border of the sarees, which makes these sarees what they are. Four to six shuttle looms of different colours are used to make the contrast to be magical. The dense borders and pallu zari work need more zari artwork and more time on the loom, which can be done only by zari specialists. That is why it takes 15 to 30 days of rigorous work from the master weavers spread across the town and the neighbouring villages, where this tradition has been passed on from generation to generation for a single piece of Kancheepuram handloom silk saree.

From the lustrous emerald green to the royal blue, these silk sarees have a modern feel to them. From the soft lilac to the sea-green shades, they bear a rainbow of colours in addition to the usual maroon and mustard gold. Modernity also presents Blanket designs with floral or peacock prints merged with the latest abstract checker stripes and geometrical patterns. The formerly wide contrast borders have today been made slim in the contemporary designs of the variants, while the silhouettes use lighter materiality to fit modern life. However, the genuine ones go further, with the fabrics being thicker and clothes cut in the classic style suitable for ceremonial occasions.

Along with its robust and lively appearance enhanced by the lustrous silks and vibrant zari work, Kancheepuram sarees symbolise heritage living breathing traditions actively propagated by weavers who have been in this profession for generations. Every time you drape these timeless beauties, you are passing on the tradition and the legacy of the handloom industry of India.

If you are searching for authentic Kancheepuram silk sarees, browse the stunning collection by Indian weavers at Indiahandmade. These sarees will add more ethnic wear to your collection or can be a special regal gift during festive seasons, weddings or any other traditional occasion.