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An overview of the history of saris in India
It will be interesting to take an overview of the history of saris in India. The 1920s was when a few of the biggest sari manufacturers in India first cropped up. But textile centers existed earlier as well. The history goes right back to 400 CE.
Over time, beyond cotton, silk saris also began to find people’s preferences. Silk saris are well-recognized as ecstasy items to date. The tradition of weaving silk saris is alive to date.
Several schools of making saris became popular over the years. Saris woven in Benaras are considered to be among the best.
All about saris
Beyond being the most commonplace daily wear item for Indian women, saris also hold the distinction of being the classiest ladies' ensemble, something that radiates elegance.
For all important functions such as marriage ceremonies, not just the bride but all women attendees in the ceremony wear a sari. Several of these saris are in bright colors. A few might be in basic color combinations such as white and green. But, saris in darker colors are sometimes created to support zari work, which is a sort of embroidery.
Saris could be more popular in south India as compared to north India. In north India, women like to adorn alternative ethnic dresses as well, such as salwar kameez and Ghaghra choli.
However, in south India, the market for saris is magnanimous. One of the occasions, when a woman's sari needs to be bright, shiny, and up-to-date, is when dance performances are underway. South India is known for a range of classical dance forms, like Bhartnatyam, Kuchchipudi, and Kathak. But when one resides in south India, sourcing saris even for these special occasions is no difficulty.
A range of south Indian brands has made a mark in the manufacture and sale of saris. A noteworthy name among them is Kalakshetra, a brand set up by a Bharat Natyam dance maestro, Rukmani Devi Arundale. At Kalakshetra, one can even come across saris that are used to decorate idols in temples.
Ultimately, it is not too difficult to see the connection that saris have with show business among the ethnic communities of south India.
Another noteworthy sari brand in India is Bharatna saris which have been devised by Muni Devi in 1930. Muni Devi, alternately, is also credited for creating a few of the finest fabrics that are used for creating saris.
Muni Devi had initially started the business by creating Kanchipuram saris. During these initial days of the inception of her business, she would create saris for dance performances.
Through her career as an apparel designer, Muni Devi has been closely associated with a host of clothing designers including Mark Rothko, who is an American artist. The influence of Rothko’s paintings is visible in the saris designed by Muni Devi as well. To experience this unquestionable bliss, a buyer could invest in Bharatna saris.
It is easy to conclude that most of the influences on sari designs and textures are indigenous. But external influences also play a role in the ever-changing world of sari fashion.
Interesting fact regarding saris manufactured in India is that in many places, a GI tag is attached to the saris. GI tag is the Geographical indication tag, which enhances the value of the location where a sari is manufactured. If a buyer likes something he bought, he'd be delighted to purchase another variant created in the same location. So, the artisans are benefited, the buyers are benefited, and overall, the art is benefited.