India is known for its diversity in terms of culture, people, food, languages and whatnot! Textile is one of those cultural heritages of India where you’ll find diversity like no other country. Each string of these fabrics is woven with perfection and the textile of India is especially known for their authenticity and artistic brilliance. Among the most superlative and revered textiles of India is the Paithani silk saree. Paithani Silk is quite often referred as the “Queen of Silk” for the way it gives the lush feel and comes all equipped with unparalleled beauty and intricate designs. Here’s all you need to know about this magnificent fabric and the variety of sarees it comes with.
What Is Paithani Silk?
Paithani silk sarees came into existence from a small town of Maharashtra called Paithan. The art form has been practiced in the region for years, in fact, centuries and hence it was named after the place. The history of Paithani dates back to the Satavahana dynasty (200 BCE – 200 CE), making it one of the oldest and most celebrated forms of handloom weaving in India. Sarees have always been a symbol of wealth and status among the Maratha and Peshwa rulers and this symbolisation led to the flourishing of these sarees under the patronage of the rulers of that era.
What makes Paithani rare is its luxurious silk fabric, woven with intricate zari (gold or silver threads) patterns. The traditional making of Paithani silk sarees includes hand weaving techniques which calls for immense skill, time, patience and effort. The authentication mark of a Paithani saree is its vigorous colors, reversibility, and baffling pallu. The designs are inspired by nature and feature motifs like peacocks, lotuses, parrots, vines, and geometric patterns.
Different Paithani Silk Sarees That You Should Have
You’ll come across a wide range of Paithani sarees in both online and offline market. These sarees can be distinguished by their weaving patterns, motifs, and color combinations. Here’s a closer look at the prominent types:
1. Traditional Paithani
The classic paithani sarees have traditional motifs like peacock designs, floral designs along with lotuses and parrots. The pallu of these sarees depicts the view of nature and the remaining body of the saree is often kept plain or adorned with small buttis to balance the overall artistry.
2. Designer Paithani
As fashion takes over to infuse more of a style into the nerves of tradition, Designer paithani caters the taste of modern women. Designer Paithanis have trendy patterns and unconventional motifs that level up the fashion game big time. These sarees come with a fusion of colors while retaining the essence of handwoven silk.
3. Brocade Paithani
The grandiose zari work that seems just out of the world is what pushes Brocade Paithani sarees to the top tier. Brocade Paithanis are often covered with the total zari work which makes this saree look palatial and an ideal pick for grand celebrations or bridal trousseau.
4. Single-Color Paithani
As the name already has suggested, you know that this saree comes in a single color. However, the contrasting zari border and pallu of this saree takes a homerun when it comes to the whole look of it altogether. The simplicity of this saree is offset by the amplitude of the silk and zari work which makes it modish and adaptable.
5. Double-Color Paithani
The warp and weft of different colors come together to form an artistic experience for life and that is when a double-color Paithani is born. This interplay of hues creates a mesmerizing, iridescent effect that gives the saree its unique charm.
6. Tissue Paithani
Just like a soft and lightweight tissue paper, this tissue Paithani saree comes with a breezy feel of subtlety but, of course, with a bit of shimmer. The glamor of this saree is achieved by interweaving zari with silk threads which apparently, makes this saree an A game for modern women who want to wear a saree but don’t want to feel the complexity of it.
7. Shikargarh Paithani
The Shikargarh Paithani is a masterpiece that depicts hunting scenes on the pallu. These sarees are extremely intricate and often require months to weave, showcasing the artisan’s top notch effort towards the art and culture.
The Paithani Silk Sarees, just like other traditional sarees, are not just a piece of fabric but the cultural pride of India. These are the outcome of dedication, effort and patience put in by the local artisans across the country to bring masterpieces to life. The Paithani silk saree is a legacy that is laced with emotion, culture and tradition of a family. Investing in a Paithani saree is not only an ode to tradition but also a way to support the artisans who keep this ancient craft alive.
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