The saree, a single piece of unstitched cloth draped in endless styles, has been worn by women across India for centuries. This iconic garment is deeply ingrained in Indian culture and continues to be a popular clothing choice known for its grace, elegance and versatility.
A Brief History of the Saree
References to the saree can be found in ancient Hindu scriptures, sculptures and cave paintings, indicating it has been part of Indian fashion since antiquity. The style, techniques and materials used to create sarees have changed over the decades, but its basic shape has remained the same.
In ancient times, saree were made of plain cotton, silk and muslin in simple patterns and designs. Royalty often wore heavily brocaded silks and embellished muslins. The arrival of Europeans brought new textiles like chintz, calico and lace which were incorporated into saree fabric.Modern technology later facilitated mass production of affordable sarees.
While traditionally a Hindu form of dress, the saree is now worn by women across religious and ethnic divides in India. From rural villages to cosmopolitan cities, the saree is a garment that unites women across the country.
Regional Varieties of Sarees
Each state and region in India has its own unique saree style characterized by weaving patterns, materials and motifs that connect it to the local culture.
Kanchipuram silks from Tamil Nadu sport vibrant hues and zari woven patterns inspired by temple architecture. The Banarasi sarees of Varanasi use fine silk and opulent zari work with images from Mughal design. Kota doria, munga and bandhani saree are trademark sarees from Rajasthan made using signature weaving or dyeing techniques. Lightweight chanderis are woven in Madhya Pradesh while the nimble fingers of Lucknow artisans create intricate chikankari on muslin and chiffon. West Bengal specializes in handloomed tangail, tussar, baluchari and jamdani sarees.
From the lush muga silks of Assam to the breezy, starched cottons of Karnataka, every region offers its own saree speciality.
Saree Styles for Modern Women
While traditional sarees are still widely worn, many contemporary saree styles have also emerged catering to the modern Indian woman. Designers are innovating with fabrics, colors and silhouettes to create fashionable sarees.
Pre-stitched sarees with inbuilt pleats make wearing them far simpler. Blouses have also evolved from the traditional three-quarter sleeves to modern halter necks, off-shoulder cuts and airy poet sleeves. Creative draping styles like the dhoti, cowl and lehenga allow for greater experimentation and fusion looks. Bold colors, graphic prints, digital textile design and trendy embellishments lend a very contemporary edge to modern sarees.
The saree's versatility also makes it the perfect power dressing garment for working women across many fields from politics to business and media.
The Allure of the Saree
No matter its traditional or contemporary interpretations, the saree remains an ever-popular trend in Indian fashion. Designed to drape elegantly over curves for added feminine grace and beauty, its fluid fall allows ease of movement while simultaneously being figure-hugging.
The incredible diversity in textile art available through the saree creates an unbounded canvas for weavers and designers to display their craft. From luxurious zari-woven silks to hand block printed cottons, there are endless opportunities for expression within its folds.
The saree represents the depth and breadth of Indian textile traditions. A symbol of culture, heritage and meaning that remains relevant today for modern Indian women, its long tradition represents timeless symbolism as an eternal representation of an Indian woman's identity.
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