How Many of These Sarees of India Varieties Did You Know?

The six yards of elegance are made with so many different techniques, colours and different materials. The sarees of India like the country are diverse in culture and where it comes from and has many types of sarees. The word saree is derived from the Sanskrit word “shati” meaning “a strip of cloth”. Sarees of India are passed down in the family as a prized heirloom. Almost every state of India has its own unique saree weaving technique which is the outcome of fine craftsmanship, specialised fabric, exclusive patterns and peculiar techniques. There are different styles of draping a saree which also adds to the elegance. 

These Are A Few Of The Famous Sarees Of India

1. Kanjeevaram Saree

State: Kanjeevaram, Tamil Nadu.

It is one of the most famous saree of India also known as the queen of sarees, it features a royal texture and glossy temperament. They are made with precision and care, the weavers use vivid luxuriant colours. They have contrasting borders and portray South Indian ethnicity. The beautiful texture, glossiness, sturdiness and finesse are due to the weaving of the refined Mulberry silk threads.

The sarees showcase the rich heritage and the theme is often made up of embellishments on the sarees consisting of motifs like nature, chariots, peacocks, parrots, lions, coins, mangoes, leaves, and jasmine.

2. Kasavu Saree

State: Kerala

The off-white or cream saree with a golden border made out of golden brocade is draped on important occasions and festivals. Most importantly Onam and Hindu brides also wear it for their wedding in the state of Kerala.

The word ‘Kasuvu’ refers to the golden brocade border of the saree. In recent times there are more colours and different fibre threads which are also been added to the saree. They also include patterns of flowers, birds, animals, trees and Lord Krishna. The Kadavu are handwoven and is made with a fineness of count in weaving, use 100 % unbleached cotton but through time there have been changes made and they use both silk and cotton with time. 

3. Banarasi Saree

State: Named after the holy city of Benares in Uttar Pradesh.

This saree of India is known for gold, silver Zari or brocade work. Which is woven meticulously with the finest silks to create intricate and heavily engraved opulent designs. The patterns woven are usually of leaves, gold weavings, figures with small details, metallic visual effects and the bel (floral motifs) jhallar – upright leaves, that form the outer edge of the saree are inspired by the Mughal designs. The sarees use rich colours and are heavy in texture. There are many kinds of Banarasi Sarees like Tanchoi, Jangla, Cutwork, Butidar and Vaskat made in silk, organza and georgette.

4. Bandhani/ Bandhej Saree

State: Rajasthan and Gujarat 

This saree is known to be made by the Khatri community of Gujarat. The name is derived from the word ‘bandhan’ meaning ties. It’s made using the traditional special technique of tie and dye, where the saree is tied in knots and colours are poured on. The knots prevent the colour from spreading beyond giving it a unique look. They make a dotted pattern to the saree which brings out the colours used and the higher the dot count the costlier the saree is. These sarees are made in fine cotton, georgette, cotton-silk blends, crepe, chiffon and silk variants.

The dots may often be in figurative forms of elephants, peacocks, or geometric forms of flowers, squares etc. Bandhani sarees are made in 

5. Kalamkari Saree

State: Andhra Pradesh

This saree of India uses the art of Kalamkari, an ancient art form that is painted on mangalgiri cotton fabric using natural dyes. It means an artistic creation (Kari) using a pen (kalam). The patterns are sketched using tamarind twigs and painted with natural vegetable dyes and the motifs usually depict scenes inspired by Hindu mythology, ancient caves and sculptures. They mostly use colours like deep maroon, deep bluish-black, indigo, rustic red, and deep olive. The Hand-drawn art looks better with every wash and the saree is sustainable as it’s very Organic.

6. Bathik Saree

State: Shantiniketan regions of West Bengal

Batik sarees are created using traditional craft, made by the process of dyeing cloth by covering a part of it with a coat of wax. The waxed areas keep the original colour of the cloth which results in the dyed and undyed contrast and a pattern is created. 

7. Chikan Saree

State: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

It was first made out of white muslin cloth. Chikankari is a type of embroidery which is made on different types of material with different colour palettes. It uses different types of thread and stitches. The delicate work is done by experienced craftsmen and showcases finesse and magnificence. 

8. Guntur Saree

State: Woven in cotton by the craftsmen of Guntur in Andhra Pradesh

Guntur sarees are known for their fine thread work, tightly-mend drapes and how they are sturdy but soft in nature. Most are singled coloured and have patterns all over with the tribal patterns. The ikat pattern is one among them. The pallus have stripes or scattered or flowered adornments. They come in all colours and cause they are not that translucent and don’t wear out fast they are used popularly as daily wear sarees.

9. Eri Silk Saree

State: wild silk found in Assam

It is also known as Ahims (Non-violent silk) or fabric of peace as it is the only tamed silk obtained without killing the silkworm. Eri silk is India’s finest and purest form of silk with a diffused sheen produced by Samia Cynthia Ricini worm. The saree’s fabric texture is coarse, fine and dense making it extremely strong, durable and elastic. It is heavier and darker than other silks; it blends well with wool and cotton making it in demand in both summer and winter. It looks very regal that it can be worn for any occasion or festival. 

10. Patola Saree

State: Patan, Gujarat

These sarees from India are expensive as they are made out of pure silk and are hand-dyed in natural dyes. The double ikat weave produces a saree with identical sides. Whether it’s the intensity of the colour, the feel or the aesthetic appeal, all of it is the same on both sides. The Patola sarees are made with motifs and designs of parrots, flowers, elephants, and zigzag figures, and the geometric patterns inspired by the large step wells in Gujarat are a wonder to behold. The time of completion is as long as 5 to 6 months due to the lengthy process of the tie-dye method including both wraps along with the weft in silk fibres.

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How Many Did You Know

There are many more different kinds of sarees with a tradition that follows, people have now adopted wearing sarees as a fashion statement. It differs from the material it’s made out of, the dying process and its designs. These 6 yards or 9 yards of elegance never go out of fashion and is a wardrobe essential. Buying a saree is never a mistake.