Glorious History of Kanchipuram Silk Craft

 

The sight of the Kanchipuram silk saree always brings a delightful expression on a woman’s face. Kanchipuram sarees are a symbol of India’s culture and civilization. India is known for its handwoven textile heritage, and Kanchipuram silk is among them. Kanchipuram silk sarees are lauded for their intricate craftsmanship and finesse. Kanchivaram silk sarees are exclusively known for their rich gold borders, traditional designs, and dense fabric in contrasting colours. Every motif and design of the Kanchipuram silk saree narrates a story. Kanchipuram silk sarees have dominated the world of south Indian saree for years now. Indeed, they are the dream saree of every South Indian to-be-brides.

History & Evolution of Kanchipuram Silk / Kanjivaram Silk 

 

During the reign of the Chola dynasty in Kanchipuram, the king took the initiative in the silk trade. And during King Krishna Devaraya's rule, weaving communities of Andhra Pradesh, the Saligars and Devangas migrated to Kanchipuram town, and thus, the silk industry saw new growth. These two communities exclusively excelled at the weaving skill. Although, during the French invasion in the 17th century, the weaving industry had a hiccup and the operation was paused. Later, in the 18th century, the silk weaving industry was resumed and became the main occupation for many in the town. Today, Kanchipuram silks rank the most popular around the globe. 

 

Making of Kanchipuram Silk / Kanchi Pattu  

 

The silk is obtained from the sericulture of mulberry worms, i.e. silk extracted from domesticated silkworms that feed on mulberry tree leaves. The silk yarns extracted from such silkworms are usually fine, soft, and of a lighter tone. Then, the raw silk yarns are dipped into hot water and mixed with preferred colored powders to dye the silk. Once the dyed yarns are dried thoroughly, they are put into the rice starch natively called kanji (the excess water after the rice is cooked) before and after weaving the saree to add stiffness. As for the zari, pure silver threads coated with a gold color are used in the saree weaving to enrich the appeal of the saree. The zari thread consists of 57% silver and 0.6% gold. The body, border, and pallu of a Kanchipuram silk saree are woven separately and then interlocked together. It is interlocked in such a way the joining could not be identified from the front.

It takes about 10 to 15 days to weave a single silk saree, however, it may differ depending on the design intricacy done in the saree. The saree border color and design are usually different from the body. The saree border and pallu are usually weaved separately and then interlocked to the body so strongly that even if the saree tears the border will not detach. The zari comprises 57 percent silver and 0.6 percent gold.  

 

Design Inspiration

The motifs showcased on the sarees are not merely decorative patterns, but beyond that, which hold a strong aesthetic appeal and symbolic meaning. The designs manifested on the silk saree are temple carvings, checks, stripes, buttas, mythical creatures, birds, animals, flower leaves, etc. With the change in trend, a lot of contemporary art also is expressed on the saree, like, the images of the bride and groom are convoluted on the saree on an order base. There are a variety of Kanchipuram silk sarees like simple border, temple border, floral Kanchipuram, traditional Kanchipuram, and modern Kanchipuram.

It is always tricky to find authentic Kanchipuram silk sarees, as there are too many retailers and wholesalers in the market selling them. But not every store offers you authentic ones. So, you are suggested to buy Kanchipuram sarees from well-known stores. Samyakk, an ethnic wear retailer, showcases a varied range of handpicked authentic Kanchipuram silk saree collections for every occasion. The Kanchipuram silk saree at Samyakk are all silk-certified ones. Find the best Kanchipuram silk sarees for your special occasions at our retail store in Bangalore or at  www.samyakk.com.