Saree
is an unstitched nine yard of cloth piece that replicates pure grace and
elegance for every woman wearing it. Saree is not a mere part of draping that
most women of India wear, but it is a projection of rich Indian culture,
heritage and tradition. Mahabharata, the sacred mythological text for Indians
which dates back to 4000BC mentions that Draupadi, the wife of 5 kings of
Indraprastha wore saree as her attire. Rabindranath Tagore, the messiah of the
lyrical world also projected his version of beauty and elegance of women in
saree. One can take the example of his iconic characters in his stories like
Charulata, Mrinal and others to related his projection of powerful modern women
who can change the world. Thus, regardless of time and changing era, it has
been there in our culture.
is an unstitched nine yard of cloth piece that replicates pure grace and
elegance for every woman wearing it. Saree is not a mere part of draping that
most women of India wear, but it is a projection of rich Indian culture,
heritage and tradition. Mahabharata, the sacred mythological text for Indians
which dates back to 4000BC mentions that Draupadi, the wife of 5 kings of
Indraprastha wore saree as her attire. Rabindranath Tagore, the messiah of the
lyrical world also projected his version of beauty and elegance of women in
saree. One can take the example of his iconic characters in his stories like
Charulata, Mrinal and others to related his projection of powerful modern women
who can change the world. Thus, regardless of time and changing era, it has
been there in our culture.
The
closest lady in any kid’s life is none other than his/her own mother. Wait!
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your mother. How does she look?
closest lady in any kid’s life is none other than his/her own mother. Wait!
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your mother. How does she look?
I
know the maximum of you have the image of your mother wearing a saree and
worshipping God or doing her daily course of routine work. Saree has not been
just a draping style for Indians but it has given us a definition, a
distinction to stand proudly in the world. Today, the western countries look up
for sarees to bring that peace, poise and beauty in them.
know the maximum of you have the image of your mother wearing a saree and
worshipping God or doing her daily course of routine work. Saree has not been
just a draping style for Indians but it has given us a definition, a
distinction to stand proudly in the world. Today, the western countries look up
for sarees to bring that peace, poise and beauty in them.
The Immortal Saree.
The
word “sari” originated from the Prakrit word “ sattika” which gets its mention
in Buddhist literature. The word then gets into various forms from “sattika” to
“sati” and finally sari. Saree
has been into existence when the actual human civilization developed i.e Indus
Valley Civilization. Of Course, then the name would not have been the same or
even the draping would have been different yet its existence cannot be denied.
word “sari” originated from the Prakrit word “ sattika” which gets its mention
in Buddhist literature. The word then gets into various forms from “sattika” to
“sati” and finally sari. Saree
has been into existence when the actual human civilization developed i.e Indus
Valley Civilization. Of Course, then the name would not have been the same or
even the draping would have been different yet its existence cannot be denied.
History
and archaeological excavations have evidence that women in Indus Valley
Civilization wore a long piece of cloth draped as a trouser. The
Persian brought the style of stitching in India. The style of Persian and
Greeks wearing loose jackets for their upper body was followed by the people
and Indian women also started wearing loose jackets to cover their upper
torsos. This change further evolved itself to give birth to “choli” or modern
blouses.
and archaeological excavations have evidence that women in Indus Valley
Civilization wore a long piece of cloth draped as a trouser. The
Persian brought the style of stitching in India. The style of Persian and
Greeks wearing loose jackets for their upper body was followed by the people
and Indian women also started wearing loose jackets to cover their upper
torsos. This change further evolved itself to give birth to “choli” or modern
blouses.
The
final and modern look of sari came from Mughals who mastered the art of
stitching and embellishments from the Persians. From cotton to another type of
fabrics like silk and brocades were used to make attire for men as well as sari
for women. The different schools of painting came into existence along with the
art of stitching which helped in decorating the sarees that were used by ladies
of Mughal era. This is the time when we got the present draping style of sari. The
painting from post-Mughal era clearly depicts the clear usage of saree. The
pallu or daman was used to cover the head as per Muslim traditions. Many
post-Mughal paintings show the modern draping style of saree.
final and modern look of sari came from Mughals who mastered the art of
stitching and embellishments from the Persians. From cotton to another type of
fabrics like silk and brocades were used to make attire for men as well as sari
for women. The different schools of painting came into existence along with the
art of stitching which helped in decorating the sarees that were used by ladies
of Mughal era. This is the time when we got the present draping style of sari. The
painting from post-Mughal era clearly depicts the clear usage of saree. The
pallu or daman was used to cover the head as per Muslim traditions. Many
post-Mughal paintings show the modern draping style of saree.
Thus,
there can be no doubt in saying that the saree we drape in style is actually
evolved from the influence of ancient Indians, greeks, Persians and other
central Asian migrants.
there can be no doubt in saying that the saree we drape in style is actually
evolved from the influence of ancient Indians, greeks, Persians and other
central Asian migrants.
Saree and Diverse Culture of India
As
we discussed, saree has been an integral part of India and Indians from ancient
times. The draping style and fabric has changed with the change in fashion and
lifestyle yet the purity and its essence is the same. Saree is the most
blissful attire adorned by every modern or traditional woman of this era. India
is like a rose flower with enormous petals which can be thought to be the 29
states of India. Every petal is responsible to make the flower look glowy, full
of fragrance and beautiful. Similarly, each state of India has a unique flavour
of tradition and culture to offer. Saree being the most primitive and constant
factor in Indian culture, therefore, we see a mix of the various taste of
culture from the different part of India on Sarees. Every Indian state
specializes in some or the other craft of saree making.
we discussed, saree has been an integral part of India and Indians from ancient
times. The draping style and fabric has changed with the change in fashion and
lifestyle yet the purity and its essence is the same. Saree is the most
blissful attire adorned by every modern or traditional woman of this era. India
is like a rose flower with enormous petals which can be thought to be the 29
states of India. Every petal is responsible to make the flower look glowy, full
of fragrance and beautiful. Similarly, each state of India has a unique flavour
of tradition and culture to offer. Saree being the most primitive and constant
factor in Indian culture, therefore, we see a mix of the various taste of
culture from the different part of India on Sarees. Every Indian state
specializes in some or the other craft of saree making.
If
you are a quintessential tradino-modern girl then prefer to explore your
country’s best of the sarees and stand tall in the world.
you are a quintessential tradino-modern girl then prefer to explore your
country’s best of the sarees and stand tall in the world.
The must haves…
Tamil Nadu- Kanjeevaram sarees
This
saree is proudly owned by every beautiful woman from southern part of India.
Named after a small village of Bangalore, this saree is made after the Paithan
town in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. This saree is famous for its nature loved
designs and bright colours. Adding the elegance of paithani is a must for every
woman.
saree is proudly owned by every beautiful woman from southern part of India.
Named after a small village of Bangalore, this saree is made after the Paithan
town in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. This saree is famous for its nature loved
designs and bright colours. Adding the elegance of paithani is a must for every
woman.
Odisha- Bomkai saree
Heading
into the series of hand woven exclusive saree, Bomkai saree is also known as
Sonepuri saree. This is made by a small community of artisans from Odisha. You
can experience the essence of tribal designs and their lifestyle in these
lightly fabricated sarees. Your collection is always incomplete without a
Bomkai.
into the series of hand woven exclusive saree, Bomkai saree is also known as
Sonepuri saree. This is made by a small community of artisans from Odisha. You
can experience the essence of tribal designs and their lifestyle in these
lightly fabricated sarees. Your collection is always incomplete without a
Bomkai.
Assam- Muga saree
Coming
from the serene land of Assam, these sarees have a natural glowy texture made
in pure silk fabric. This saree can be a prized possession for every modern
girl.
from the serene land of Assam, these sarees have a natural glowy texture made
in pure silk fabric. This saree can be a prized possession for every modern
girl.
Varanasi- Benarasi Saree
If
you imagine silk saree, you cannot help it but think about Benarasi! Prized as
the finest silk saree in India, this brightly coloured saree with various
simple and complicated motifs is part of every wardrobe and wedding trousseau
in India.
you imagine silk saree, you cannot help it but think about Benarasi! Prized as
the finest silk saree in India, this brightly coloured saree with various
simple and complicated motifs is part of every wardrobe and wedding trousseau
in India.
Kerala- Kasavu saree
Kasavu
is the traditional outfit of the state. Originated from mundu, this saree have
a blouse, stole and a skirt or mundu usually made in off-white with golden
border. Drape this saree and absorb the richness and elegance of Kerala.
is the traditional outfit of the state. Originated from mundu, this saree have
a blouse, stole and a skirt or mundu usually made in off-white with golden
border. Drape this saree and absorb the richness and elegance of Kerala.
At
last, a women quotes saree in her poetic version:
last, a women quotes saree in her poetic version:
The long trail of cloth, one straight single length,
no Zip, no stitch yet oozes vigour and strength!
The six yards of grace, draped perfect for the evening,
the elegance untouched, adds ‘femininity’ to the meaning!
The humble drape stirring the political motion,
since time immemorial, breaking the rules and the notion!
Author Bio
The author of this
article is an expert in Indian culture and its various traditions. He holds a
strong expertise in writing and intends to focus on the changing trends of
draping in Indian culture. He is currently working on the subject of Indian sarees,
it’s evolution and the charisma of buying traditional Bridal Sarees
Online by modern women.
article is an expert in Indian culture and its various traditions. He holds a
strong expertise in writing and intends to focus on the changing trends of
draping in Indian culture. He is currently working on the subject of Indian sarees,
it’s evolution and the charisma of buying traditional Bridal Sarees
Online by modern women.
