Charming one’s way in a Chanderi Saree
by parineeti lal content writerChanderi, in Ashoknagar district of Madhya
Pradesh (MP), has taken the world of fabrics by storm and for a good reason too.
Chanderi
Sarees, are known for their sheer quality, fineness in texture and as a
marvellous work in art and design. The hand-woven variety especially, extracts
a lot of patience, dedication and craftsmanship in its making. Today power
looms have reduced the ardour in the making of the fabric, but the difference
in quality between the two is evident.
A weaving art since royal times, this ethnic
tradition of hand-weaving and handlooms has still survived the test of time. Thanks
to the people of Chanderi, families upon families have whole-heartedly devoted
their lives in sustaining this traditional weaving art form.
What makes the Chanderi Saree so special?
It is the method of weaving and the fineness
of the yarn coupled with the dedication of the tradition-bound weavers that produces
this excellent fabric.
Enhancing the beauty further is the ‘Butti’,
‘Booti’ or motif, which is an interlaced, hand-woven, shape, consisting of
gold, silver or copper coated threads. The Asharfi Booti, or Gold Coin shaped
Butti made of pure gold or silver thread, has been a popular choice since earlier
times, though the gold or silver has been replaced by tested Zari, which is
woven from synthetic yarn. The bigger version of the ‘Butti’ is popularly known
as ‘Butta’.
A major difference in the making methods is
that the ‘Boottis’ of hand-woven Chanderi Sarees, retain their shape and
appearance throughout the life of the fabric, with no thread coming out from
the ‘Butti’ structure. The same cannot be said for the one woven from synthetic
yarn, which tends to lose the initial shape and appearance after some time.
This is despite the good care that is normally taken.
Chanderi Sarees
can have either silk or cotton as the base fabric. Brilliant floral designs or
batik, adorn the cotton version of the saree, while the silk saree has Jari
brocades with embroidery of different patterns as Zari Zardosi, Ari, Gota,Chikan,
to name a few.
Buttis once only
hand-woven on the fabric, have been joined by gold-printed ‘Butti’prints on the
silk fabric body, especially on the designer variety of sarees.
The elegance, and
the grandeur that the Chanderi Saree lends to the wearer, makes it ideal for
special occasions, marriages or social functions. It could also serve as
corporate-wear.
There may been
many changes since traditional times but the essence of the Chanderi saree is
retained to this day –exquisite workmanship that involves skill and flair, lends
charm and appeal.
Sponsor Ads
Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.