The National award-winning artisan weaver, B Krishnamoorthy, renowned for his invaluable contribution to the preservation of traditional Indian craft, has curated a collection showcasing all traditional designs, patterns, and motifs central to the art of Kanjeevaram silk sari weaving, thereby securing these delicate pieces for future generations.
Understanding the Elegance of Kanjeevaram Sarees
Kanjeevaram sarees, often seen as the epitome of elegance and opulence in Indian traditional attire, are typically handwoven using mulberry silk and adorned with pure gold or silver zari giving it a celebratory aura. These silk sarees base their roots in the village of Kanchipuram, located in Tamil Nadu, thus earning them the title – the queen of silk sarees.
In the process of weaving the Kanjeevaram sarees, the designs are heavily inspired by the intricacies of South Indian temple architecture, most notably the temples around Kanchipuram. From the mythical creature Yali, an amalgamation of an elephant and a lion, to the majestic two-headed bird, Ganda Berunda, and the distinct temple border called reku, one can spot numerous traditional motifs on these sarees.
With a rich history tracing back to the Chola Dynasty, Kanchipuram sarees serve as a testament to the legacy of the Indian textile industry. In 2005-06, Kanchipuram silk received the esteemed Geographical Indication (GI Tag).
Geographical Indication (GI) Tagged Sarees Across India
Apart from Kanchipuram silk, various other saree styles across the country have also garnered the prestigious GI tag. These include Tamil Nadu’s Kandangi Saree, Thirubuvanam silk sarees, Kovai Kora Cotton Sarees; Uttar Pradesh’s Banaras Brocade; Karnataka’s Ilkal Saree, Molakalmuru Saree; Andhra Pradesh’s Uppada Jamdani Sarees, Venkatagiri Sarees, Mangalagiri Saree, among numerous others. Each region’s distinct saree encapsulates the essence of their traditional weaving techniques and patterns.
Silk Production in India
India, being the world’s second-largest silk producer, contributes approximately 18% of the global silk production. Various species of silkworms produce five major types of commercially significant silk – Mulberry, Oak Tasar & Tropical Tasar, Muga, and Eri. With the exception of mulberry, the rest, known as vanya silks, are wild silks.
India prides itself on being the sole producer of all these different types of silk. South India, in particular, is one of the leading silk producing regions of the country, with notable silk weaving hubs like Kancheepuram, Dharmavaram, Arni, and more.
In a bid to boost sericulture in the country, the Government of India initiated a scheme named “Silk Samagra” in 2017. This move marked another step in acknowledging and enhancing the significance of one of India’s most iconic textile contributions to the world – silk.
