
SILK SAREES AND DYES IN INDIA
As we all know silk is one of the oldest fabrics known to man and its history can be traced back to the 27th century BC in china where the use of silk was limited to Chinese and it was kept as a secret from the outside world. Later only silk routes were opened across Asia and Mediterranean world. India and Japan was the first country to learn about the science of sericulture and joined the eastern monopoly of silk production. With industrialization entering India, synthetic dyes made their official entry. Chemical dyes from other countries were used by local traders and also few unknown techniques of dye and printing of designs in Indian sarees gave an unimaginable variety.
Nine yard wonder
Sarees are known for their richness, class and always have a special place in the heart and minds of people across the world, especially Indians. Origin or a drape which is similar to saree can be traced back to Indus valley civilization. Also, one of the most popular ensembles which came to being during 2800-1800 BC in north west India.
The story of evolution of saree run parallel with the history in a way that is rarely witnessed or less documented but still in sync with the changing tides. Be it from Mahabharat’s scandalous story or the women we heard from the past – of how a solitary bit of unstitched material made all the difference at almost all stages and ages of life.
SYMBOL OF INDIAN FEMINITY
Silk in India is a luxury good and most loved fabric. Most vital occasions of life are incomplete without a saree especially silk sarees.. Indian women’s wardrobe wedding trousseau is incomplete without silk sarees. SIlk sarees are part of every occasion and it is saved and treasured for generations. You might have heard from your mom or granny of how they’ve been treasuring their wedding sarees. During wedding silk sarees are considered as sacred and auspicious. Silk sarees are even offered to the Goddesses. These are the importance of silk sarees in India. Tradition and region may vary in each part but manifest, in some or the other form in every part.
Silk is a cherished fabric and a multitude of weaving styles and techniques have been employed since ages. Later, combinations of many cultures, foreign influences and indigenous weaving and innovations in weaving style and technique has led to development of amazing and unique saree art. It is very astonishing when every region of India has its own unique, special native sarees and most of these are hand-woven or handloom sarees made with the pure silk or the blended silk fiber. Some of the most known silk sarees of India are Kancheepuram silk sarees, Banarasi silk sarees, Assam silk sarees, Pochampally silk sarees, tussar silk sarees, patoala silk sarees and few more. Apart from these handloom silk sarees there are other silk fibre saree varieties which are produced commercially like Bangalore silk sarees, Mysore silk sarees to crepe, georgette lush silk fibre,etc. Garment started seamlessly has become the symbol of Indian femininity.