History of Kanchipuram Saree

 

Kanchipuram silk saree comes from South India, originated in a small town named Kanchipuram in
Tamil Nadu. It is a type of silk saree that is worn for special events by women in Tamil Nadu, Kerala,
Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh. These sarees are known for their craftsmanship as it takes a long time
to make a single saree. Most of these sarees usually have a contrasting Zari border. There are two
types of Zari, Pure & Tested Zari. Pure Zari is made of twisted red & silver threads dipped in gold to
form pure Zari. Tested Zari, also known as Half Fine Zari is electroplated with a gold solution to look
like pure Zari. Kanchipuram sarees are hand woven with pure mulberry silk threads. A pure
Kanchipuram saree will always feel soft when rubbed gently without any unevenness, fake
Kanchipuram saree will always be slightly coarser than genuine Kanchipuram. The Kanchipuram silk
sari was initially woven in a 9-yard weave, but more practical 6-yard weaves have been introduced
throughout time. The original gold and silver shavings have been replaced by metal or copper
shavings, maintaining the texture’s lustre while lowering expenses.

The history of Kanchipuram sarees can be traced back to Hindu mythology, it was said that silk
weavers were the descendants of Sage Markanda who were known as the master weavers of God
and many years later the descendants settled in the small town of Kanchipuram and continued to
weave silk like their ancestors. Years ago, these sarees used to be woven in temples.

The most special feature of Kanchipuram saree is that the border and the pallu are woven separately
and eventually stitched together. The pallu of the saree is usually very different from the colour of
the border as the borders are usually in a contrasting colour with woven Zari on them. The
Kanjeevaram fabric is considered one of the strongest and most durable fabrics to exist. The saree is
made of three silk threads twisted together with Zari, that is, silk threads dipped in liquid gold and
silver to make it durable. These sarees can weigh up to two kilograms in weight. Zari threads come
from Surat and mulberry silk comes from Karnataka. The small town of Kanchipuram does not
manufacture raw materials, silk or Zari that are used in the production of a silk saree. It is known as
the ‘Silk City’ as most of its population is dependent on the silk industry. Weavers from the
neighbouring cities are also involved in the production of these silk sarees. In India, silk production is
concentrated mainly in South India, Assam, and West Bengal to a certain extent. Kanchipuram is a
significant producer of silk in South India. These sarees vary in cost depending on the intricacy of the
work, pattern, colour and the Zari used (pure or tested Zari). In South India, the Kanchipuram Silk
Saree, also called Kanjivaram Saree, is frequently compared to the Banarasi Saree. Because of its
thick fabric and bright gold colours, this sari is suitable for formal gatherings and celebrations.
Kanjeevaram or Kanchipuram silk saris are the perfect choices if you’re seeking an elegant ethnic
alternative. Saree has become a must-have for women in traditional ceremonies, weddings, and
other events in South India.

In the older days, Kanchipuram sarees traditionally had designs representing simple gold lines or
gold dots. Keeping the changing trends in mind Kanchipuram silk sarees have transformed, even
Kanchipuram designer silk sarees are available now with embroidery or crystal work done on the
traditional silk saree. One of the latest trends in these sarees is using ancient paintings and images of
gods and goddesses in the pallu.

As mentioned earlier, these sarees are distinguished by their wide contrasting borders with woven
Zari work. Traditional designs like temple borders, checks, stripes & floral motifs are found. The
motifs and patterns found in these sarees are inspired by temples in South India, leaves, animals &
birds. Indian weavers are known for depicting classical motifs drawn from nature like the swan, the
lotus, the tree of life, the Vase of Plenty, the elephant, the lion, peacocks and others in their
handwoven textiles, which have been in existence for more than two thousand years. The

iconography of the Dravidian motifs was adapted from other regions and civilisations, but has been
customised for our cultural design aesthetic.
In order to safeguard the radiance of the Kanjeevaram silk sarees, the Indian Government has
recognized it as a Geographical Indication in 2006. You’ll find a Silk Mark on these Kanchipuram
sarees that indicates its authenticity. Silk Mark is a certification mark in India for silk textiles. The
mark certifies that the piece of textile which bears the mark is made of pure natural silk. The
certification is managed by the ‘Silk Mark Organisation of India’, a society set up by the state-
controlled Central Silk Board of India. These Kanchipuram sarees are the most expensive hand-
woven garments as it requires tremendous man power and weaving a saree by hand takes extensive
time. Approximately three craftsmen work on these stunning Kanjivaram silk saree at once and
complete it within 10-20 days. Furthermore, the duration might increase if the saree encompasses
more detailing and if there’s a lot of intricate work. Only skilled craftsmen can weave these sarees
but you cannot find a lot of experienced Kanchipuram craftsmen in the world, also you cannot find
many genuine manufacturers of these sarees in other parts of the world or even in India as most of
them are only based in Tamil Nadu. Also, the presence of pure silk and Zari make these sarees
expensive as these sarees are one of a kind. All of these factors combined make it a rare piece of
garment.
If you’re in search of your perfect saree check out our collection of Kanchipuram Sarees at Samyakk,
our wide range of Kanchipuram sarees will give you a plenty of options to choose from. From

festivals to weddings, these sarees can be a timeless piece in your wardrobe. Get yours today!