Kanjivaram weaves get its name from the village of its origin, Kanchipuram. This gorgeous fabric is also referred as Kanchipuram Silk Sarees . Just like the name, Kanjivaram silk sarees adorn a woman like her second skin. These mesmerizing sarees are made with a beautiful blend of colours and thick fabric. The pure gold threads used in weaving Kanjivaram sarees make them perfect for every occasion or celebration.
Origin and history
The history of Kanjivaram silk sarees can be traced back to Hindu mythology. It is believed that the Kanjivaram Silk Weavers, with more than 400 years of weaving heritage made beautiful and smooth fabrics putting the heavenly silks to shame. The two major weaving communities; the Devangas and the Saligars who hailed from Andra Pradesh, settled in the village of Kanchipuram. They started weaving mesmerizing Kanjivaram handloom silk sarees including gorgeous designs of figures they saw on the temples around the village. Soon after kanjivarams earned it's popularity and became one of the must-haves from the saree lovers.
Weaving process
Made in pure mulberry silk each Kanjivaram handloom saree is a masterpiece in itself. Kanjivaram weaves, a perfect blend of gorgeous silk from the south and the pure gold and silver Zari from Gujarat. To keep the thickness and stiffness of this fabric, the threads are starched with rice water and dried under the sun before using it. Silk threads are interlocked with silver threads as the next step and golden thread is used to finish the weave.
Special features
Kanjivaram handloom silk sarees are woven in a different way than the usual weaves. The pallu and body are woven separately and joined together later. The Pallu of the Kanjivaram saree is usually a contrast to the body of the saree. The Kanjivaram weaves are considered to be one of the most durable and strongest of the handloom weaves. As the saree is made of interlocking method and twisted together with the silver wire the saree is more durable.
Motifs and Varieties
Starting from the beginning till now Kanjivaram silk sarees include gorgeous mythological stories into the design along with stunning Temple figurines. The sarees are adorned with temple motifs, stripes, birds, animals and paintings.
Kanjivaram silk sarees were first woven as nine yards and have always been high on demand. Due to its popularity, later a six-yard weave was included. Be ready to be mesmerized by the beautiful designs and riot of colours of these sarees. Make this gorgeous beauty a part of your collection and enjoy the rich history of the Kanjivaram silk saree.
One of the great online spaces to grab some of the most gorgeous and authentic Kanjivaram silk sarees is Kolour. Their collection of Kanjivaram silk sarees are beyond words. Make this gorgeous beauty a part of your collection and enjoy the rich history of a Kanjivaram silk saree.