Apparel November 2019 Apparel November 2019 issue | Page 56

FEATURE
KANCHIPURAM RESERVES A
SPECIAL PLACE ON INDIA’S
HANDLOOM MAP AS IT
IS KNOWN FOR ITS RICH,
HANDMADE SILK SARIS.
this exquisite work of art. No doubt then, that it
is considered to be one of the richest weaves
from Maharashtra.
KANCHIPURAM, TAMIL NADU
Kanchipuram reserves a special place on
India’s handloom map as it is known for its rich,
handmade silk saris. In order to preserve this
traditional weave, many designers have taken
a step forward to revive and restructure the
technique of crafting it. A traditional Kanchipuram
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November 2019
sari boasts intricate designs, stunning motifs, and
radiant colours, all of which are woven in with
each other with perfect harmony. Kanchipuram
silk is predominantly worn by women of Tamil
Nadu and neighbouring states on weddings and
auspicious occasions. Machine-produced silk has
made it an affordable alternative but has posed
a severe threat to this one-of-a-kind handloom
technique. However, these cheaply woven silks
have got nothing on the art and genuineness of
Kanchi silk.
MAHESHWAR, MADHYA PRADESH
Maheshwar is synonymous with the popular
Maheshwari fabrics. These fabrics, woven using
cotton, have distinctive designs such as stripes,
chequers, and floral borders. The fabric bloomed
significantly under the reign of Ahilyabhai Holkar,
who is said to have commissioned weavers to
specifically create what is today known as the
Maheshwari sari. These saris were initially used