The Banarasi Silk Saree is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship that everyone desires to own. The weave originates in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, also called Benaras. It dates back several centuries, with influences from royalty and weaving expertise coming together to create an heirloom like no other. Before diving into the history, thesstudioonline.com boasts an authentic collection of Banarasi sarees that are the perfect wardrobe addition.
Woven in time: The birth of Banarasi Silk
The Banarasi Silk Sarees' history dates back to the 14th or 15th centuries, during the Mughal era. It is said that skilled weavers from the current Gujarat and Tamil Nadu migrated to Varanasi. The local weavers collaborated with the migrant weavers, resulting in the Banarasi weave. The motifs, zari, and brocade work are different from the Kanjivaram style of silk sarees, which the weavers of Tamil Nadu were experts in.
The Mughals brought in Parsi influences with paisley motifs and other intricate patterns used in architecture, which translated to the weave. Thus flows the beautiful Banarasi silk with the rich brocade and zari work that were adorned by nobility and royalty in court.
The Mughal Influence
The Mughal emperors truly took to the beauty and grace of the Banarasi Silk Sarees. Especially, Akbar continued the Mughal fascination with florals, vines, and intricate jaal patterns. To this day, the heritage motifs can be seen on Banarasi silks such as kalga, bel, and butidar motifs. The Royal workshops promoted the use of gold and silver threads, silk yarns, and delicate embroidery that further cemented the idea of being worn on special, royal occasions.
Colonial era to Independence: Surviving change
The British Colonial period was a huge struggle for Indian handlooms in general, where machine-produced textiles flooded the market. This resulted in a lower demand for handlooms, a fate that even the Banarasi silk saree failed to avoid. It affected weavers and drove them to economic hardships, while a handful of them refused to let the legacy die down.
During the struggle for Indian independence, reviving the Banarasi weave and several other handlooms became a turning point. The call to promote and support Indian handlooms was a prominent move that not only granted India freedom but also restored faith in our art and culture.
Banarasi weaving in modern times
Despite challenges from mechanisation and mass production, Banarasi Silk Sarees continue to thrive. Many designers, cooperatives, and government initiatives are collaborating to keep the heritage and legacy going.
Modern interpretations have made the Banarasi Saree relevant, where designers work with lighter materials, fresh colour palettes, and new-age motifs, while keeping traditional techniques in mind. This is appealing to the younger generation while keeping the legacy alive. The Banarasi Saree remains a sought-after weave for weddings, gatherings, formal, and casual events alike.
What makes the Banarasi Silk Saree Special?
Aside from the unmatched craftsmanship, the Banarasi Silk Saree is special due to the amount of hard work and dedication that goes into making one saree. It takes anywhere between 15 days to 6 months to craft one piece, depending on the intricacy of the design.
The features that set each saree apart are the zari, which gives a subtle sheen to the weave. The intricate motifs carried forward from the Mughal influences to modern-day artwork, rich borders and pallus, and the handcrafted detailing all sum up to the beauty of the Banarasi saree, produced by skilled artisans. Each saree is a labour of love; from weaving the silk, washing, dyeing, and completed with embroidery.
Artisans have also developed different types of Banarasi weaves, such as the katan with rich zari and intricate motifs, organza for the lightweight and sheer look and georgette, which is perfect for a flowy drape and a more modern elegance. It is understandable to look for a type that does not compromise on the Banarasi charm, but is still modern and affordable. That is where the Shattir Banarasi Saree comes in. These are lighter, have minimal motifs and zari, making them the perfect addition to the everyday wear wardrobe.
This special and versatile weave is a must-have, whether it is to dazzle at a special occasion or grab eyeballs with the elegant craftsmanship in everyday drapes.
Where to buy pure Banarasi Silk Sarees?
It goes without saying that the most authentic Banarasi Silk Sarees come from Varanasi. However, reputed handloom stores, government emporiums, and certain authentic online platforms such as thesstudioonline.com house Banarasi Silk Sarees with authenticity labels.
Pro-tip while shopping: Look for a GI (geographical indication) tag, pure silk mark certification, and handloom labelling to make sure it is not powerloom to ensure the authenticity of the Banarasi Silk Sarees.
Nothing beats the elegance of a saree, that too one that carries centuries of legacy, craftsmanship, and cultural significance. Head to The S Studio Online store or the boutique in Chennai to add this everlasting beauty and a piece of history to your closet.
