Kanjeevaram silk saree is a magnificent creation of
the craftsmen living in a small town, Kanchi (Kanchipuram), situated
near the Bangalore city of South India. The saree has been named after
the town in which it is produced. The silk used in the creation of
Kanjivaram saree is extremely fine as well as durable and is one of the
most popular forms of silk in the state of Tamil Nadu. The bold and
bright color of the sari is very much preferred by the South Indian
women, whose trousseau remains incomplete without this amazing outfit.
Kanjivaram sarees of India make use of a combination of numerous
colored threads. Adding to the attraction of the saris is the exquisite
and elaborate zari (a form of embroidery) work. The motifs used in an
Indian Kanchipuram sari are heavily based on the Pallava temples,
palaces and paintings. However, these days one can see scenes from great
epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, along with the Bhagwad Gita being used
as motifs. Tribal designs as well as contemporary patterns are also
seen.
The sheer magnitude of textures, colors and designs of Kanjivaram silk
saris of India is incredible. Simple saris can be prepared in about 10
to 12 days. However, decorative ones require up to 20 days of
workmanship. Kanjeevarams are expensive and can cost anywhere between
Rs. 2000 to Rs. 50,000. The cost of the saree depends upon the amount of
zari intertwined with the silk. The more the zari work, the more
expensive the sari will be.
Making of a Kanjeevaram Silk Saree
The procedure of making an Indian Kanchipuram sari commences with the
task of preparing the thread, which is used at the weaver's loom. This
involves, first, twisting the thread and then, dying and drying it in
the sun. The border, the body and the pallu of the sari are created
separately by the weaver. Then, he interlocks them together in an
extremely tight joint.
