#100SareePact- The most luxurious item in an Indian woman’s wardrobe: A Kanjivaram Saree

Today, India has been reduced to a land of rapists and molesters, a place where women don’t feel safe and can’t step out of their homes at night. Some people have even gone ahead and declared the country one of the worst places in the world for women.

While I don’t have very strong counter-arguments to most of these allegations, I will say one thing- I love being an Indian woman. Our country may be struggling with gender issues, like most other societies, but I am sure that not very late in the future, we will succeed. Our culture being mostly responsible for holding back women in our country, paradoxically, has also given us various gifts that make us, as Indian women, unique.

Reading about the #100SareesPact, we realized that a saree, an attire that brings out the best in any Indian woman, irrespective of her complexion, hair or weight; has sadly been reduced to a formal party dress, when it’s so much more! As women all over the country, and few scattered in different parts of the world, pledge to wear sarees for at least a 100 days this year, SheThePeople.TV decided to tell you a little about the different types of sarees that are made and worn in our country.

Today we will give you a brief history of the origin of Kanjivaram sarees and the value it holds for the people in India.

Traditional Kanjivaram Sarees
Picture By: Ambadipba.wordpress

HISTORY

Kanjivaram or Kanchipuram sarees originated and still continue to be made, in the small temple town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. Weaving of these sarees being the main occupation of most of its residents, the term ‘Kanchipuram Sarees’ originated from here. It is believed that the weavers settled in this city, also called the ‘Silk Town,’ about four centuries ago and the following generations continue to work in the industry with about 5000 families currently being involved in their production.

The Zari used in Kanjivaram Sarees
Picture By: Parisera

MAKING

Kanchivaram sarees are made from pure mulberry silk, which is slightly heavier than any other silk, making these sarees more suitable for special occasions. Most of these saris are hand woven and the silk yarn is dyed. Due to the extensive border work, the body and border of the saree are woven separately and then firmly stitched together. The thread used for designing these sarees is called Zari, which is a beautiful silver metal thread, plated in gold. Considered to be some of the most luxurious sarees produced in India, Kanchivaram sarees can cost between INR 2,000 to INR 1,00,000, or more.

(From left) Hema Malini, Vidya Balan and Rekha in Kanjivaram Sarees
Picture By: Shree Kalyanam.com

SIGNIFICANCE

Despite the easy availability of designer sarees and lehengas in modern designs, Kanchivaram sarees continue to be popular in India, especially among women living in southern parts of the country. Brides in the southern states, usually don a heavy and bright Kancheepuram saree with heavy gold jewelry for their weddings. But they aren’t just reserved for brides; some of the most beautiful Indian actresses, including Rekha and Vidya Balan, are also seen wearing these on multiple occasions.

Forbes India>