The Traditional Sarees of Tamil Nadu: An Overview
Karthi Krishna
Final Year
Department of Fashion technology
Sona College of Technology
Salem, Tamil Nadu
Email: skarthikrish@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
This article focuses on the different types of traditional sarees from Tamil Nadu, India. It looks at the history and features of Kanjeevaram, Kanchipuram, Coimbatore, Pochampalli, Dharmavaram, Arani, Kumbakonam, Tenkasi, Chettinad, Salem, Cuddalore, Erode, Tirunelveli, Thirubuvanam and Chinnalapatti Silk Sarees. It discusses their unique designs, colors and fabrics, as well as the intricate zari work used to embellish them. It also looks at the different motifs and patterns that are used in these sarees, as well as their vibrant colors and lightweight fabric that make them perfect for special occasions and festivals.
Keywords: Mulberry Silk, Zari, Paisley Designs, Tippu, Korai
INTRODUCTION:
The beauty of Indian culture is evident in its art and craft, and sarees are one of the most popular clothing items in India. Sarees are traditional garments worn by women of all ages and have a rich history in the country. There are many varieties of sarees available in India, each with its own unique style and design. From the bright and vibrant Kanjeevaram sarees of Tamil Nadu to the intricate designs of Chettinad sarees, there is something for everyone. This article will explore the various types of sarees from Tamil Nadu, including Kanjeevaram, Kanchipuram, Coimbatore, Pochampalli, Dharmavaram, Arani, Kumbakonam, Tenkasi, Chettinad, Salem, Cuddalore, Erode, Tirunelveli, Thirubuvanam, and Chinnalapatti silk sarees. The unique designs, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors of these sarees make them popular among women of all ages. The history, artistry, and craftsmanship of these sarees will be discussed in this article, highlighting the beauty and elegance of these traditional garments.
1) Kanjeevaram Sarees:
Kanjeevaram Sarees are one of the most popular sarees from Tamil Nadu. These sarees are made from mulberry silk and are known for their intricate gold designs. They are usually bright and vibrant in color and the zari used for the intricate designs is pure gold and silver. The pallu of these sarees is often heavier than the body, making them unique and stylish. The contrast blouse makes these sarees even more attractive. (FIG-1)
2) Kanchipuram Sarees:
Kanchipuram sarees are a type of silk saree, originating from the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. They are hand-woven using pure mulberry silk yarn and are known for their bright colors, intricate designs, and rich gold embroidery. Kanchipuram sarees are traditionally worn by brides on their wedding day as a symbol of their marital status. They are also popular among women of all ages for formal occasions and festivals. (FIG -2)
3) Coimbatore Silk Sarees:
Coimbatore Silk Sarees are known for their superior quality, luxurious look and feel. These sarees are made using intricate weaving techniques in the city of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. The sarees are known for their unique designs and patterns which are inspired by traditional motifs and patterns. These sarees are often made with bright colors and bold designs which make them stand out in a crowd. The sarees are usually made with a combination of silk and cotton or silk and zari. The sarees are perfect for formal occasions and special occasions due to their luxurious look and feel. (FIG -3)
4) Pochampalli Silk Sarees:
Pochampalli Silk Sarees, also known as Pochampally Sarees, is a type of saree that originated in the Bhoodan Pochampally town of Telangana. It is a type of Ikat saree, where the warp and weft are tie-dyed before weaving. It is made up of high-quality silk and cotton, with the design being a combination of various colors. The motifs and patterns used in these sarees are generally geometric and they are available in a wide range of colors and designs. These sarees are usually quite lightweight and easy to carry. They are perfect for special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and parties. (FIG-4)
5) Dharmavaram Silk Sarees:
Dharmavaram Silk Sarees are known for their unique designs and exquisite craftsmanship. The fabric used to make these sarees is usually thick and heavy, making them ideal for weddings and other special occasions. The intricate zari work on the border, pallu and blouse of these sarees make them look even more beautiful. These sarees are usually dyed in vibrant colors like red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. The pallu of the saree is usually adorned with kundan, zardosi, or zari work in gold and silver threads. The blouse that comes with the saree is usually heavily embroidered and decorated with zari work. Dharmavaram Silk Sarees are perfect for formal events and weddings. (FIG-5)
6) Arani Silk Sarees:
Arni Silk Sarees are produced in the small town of Arni in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. These sarees are made from pure silk yarn and are also known as Puliyankulam Silk Sarees. These sarees are known for their light weight, fine texture and vibrant colors. The yarn is dyed using natural dyes such as turmeric, pomegranate, madder, and other local dyes. This dyeing process makes the sarees look vibrant and colorful. The sarees are also known for their soft texture and are extremely comfortable to wear. Furthermore, they are also quite durable and last for many years if maintained properly. The Arni Silk Sarees are perfect for special occasions and festivals and are a great way to add a touch of elegance and grace to any look. (FIG – 6)
7) Kumbakonam Silk Sarees:
Kumbakonam Silk Sarees are hand-woven at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. Kumbakonam silk sarees are light in weight and are very comfortable to wear. The texture of these sarees is very soft and smooth. The drapes of these sarees are very graceful and elegant. The fabric of these sarees is very strong and long-lasting. These sarees are made from pure mulberry silk and are very durable. Kumbakonam silk sarees are usually available in pastel shades and bright colours. The designs and patterns of these sarees are very intricate and detailed. The most popular designs are the temple motifs, peacock designs, paisley designs, and floral designs. Most of these sarees are adorned with zari, kundan and stone work to enhance the beauty and elegance of the saree. (FIG – 7)
8) Tenkasi Silk Sarees:
Tenkasi Silk Sarees are a type of traditional saree from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest silk sarees from the region and is renowned for its intricate designs and bright colors. Tenkasi Silk Sarees have an exquisite design of floral and geometric motifs, which is the trademark of this saree. The pallu of the saree features a unique design of floral motifs, which adds to the beauty of the saree. The border of the saree also has intricate designs, which give it a unique look. These sarees come in vibrant colors such as pink, green, yellow, orange, and blue, which make them perfect to wear for any occasion. Tenkasi silk sarees are also known for their light and airy fabric, which ensures that the wearer feels comfortable even in hot weather. (FIG – 8)
9) Chettinad Silk Sarees:
Chettinad Silk Sarees are traditional sarees made of silk that are hand-woven in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. The Chettinad Silk Saree is made using traditional weaving techniques, which involve using a handloom to carefully weave the fine silk threads. The threads are then dyed in bright, vibrant colours, and the zari work is added by hand to create intricate patterns and motifs. The sarees are usually decorated with traditional motifs such as peacocks, floral designs, and geometric patterns. The sarees also feature a distinct border, which is usually made of gold or silver zari. The pallu of the saree is often heavily embellished, with intricate designs and motifs that are inspired by the culture and heritage of the region. The Chettinad Silk Saree is a perfect example of the craftsmanship and artistry of the weavers of the region, and is a prized possession of many women in Tamil Nadu. (FIG-9)
You may also like: Chettinad Cotton Sarees in Tamilnadu – An Overview
10) Salem Silk Sarees:
Salem Silk Sarees are traditional sarees from the city of Salem in Tamil Nadu. These sarees usually have a deep border with intricate weaves and motifs, and the pallu is usually adorned with korai, Tippu, and temple border designs. The border of the saree is also decorated with zari work and stone work. In addition to this, the sarees have a unique pallu, which is decorated with various designs, such as zari work, stone work, and korvai. The sarees also feature interlacing patterns, which give them a unique look. These sarees are also available in a variety of colors, such as red, yellow, green and blue. The sarees are very comfortable to wear and are perfect for any occasion.(FIG-10)
11) Cuddalore Silk Sarees:
The Cuddalore Silk Sarees are very popular in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. They are typically made from fine quality silk yarn, which is woven together to create a unique look. The color combinations of the Cuddalore Silk Sarees are very attractive and make them stand out from other silk sarees. The pallu of the saree is often made from pure silk thread and is the focal point of the saree. The intricate zari work embellishments are a highlight of this saree and add to its beauty. These sarees are perfect for special occasions, weddings, and other festive occasions and are sure to make you look stunning. (FIG-11)
12) Erode Silk Sarees:
Erode Silk Sarees are produced in the city of Erode located in the western region of Tamil Nadu. These saris are very popular among women, because of their bright and vibrant colors, soft texture and intricate designs. The Erode silk sarees are made of pure mulberry silk and are known for their intricate zari work and designs. These sarees are available in different color combinations, designs and patterns and are perfect for festive and traditional occasions. The Erode silk sarees are also available in different price ranges depending on the quality, design and fabric used. (FIG-12)
13) Tirunelveli Silk Sarees:
Tirunelveli Silk Sarees are traditional sarees that are hand-woven in the city of Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, India. These sarees are made using pure silk and are known for their intricate designs and patterns. The intricate weaving and designs on the sarees give them a unique look and feel. The traditional designs of Tirunelveli Silk Sarees are believed to be inspired by the temple architecture of the region. The sarees come in a variety of colors, designs, and patterns and are popular among women from different walks of life. The main colors used in the sarees are yellow, green, red, and blue.
14) Thirubuvanam Silk Sarees:
Thirubuvanam Silk Sarees are traditional sarees from Thirubuvanam, a small village in the Kumbakonam district of Tamil Nadu. These sarees are made of pure mulberry silk and are known for their unique designs and intricate zari work. The pallu of the saree is adorned with beautiful temple motifs and peacock designs. The borders of the saree are highlighted with heavy zari work and colorful temple motifs. The body of the saree is usually plain, with a few scattered intricate designs. The Thirubuvanam Silk Sarees are available in a variety of colors and designs, making them a favorite among saree lovers. (FIG -14)
15) Chinnalapatti Silk Sarees:
Chinnalapatti Silk Sarees are a type of saree made of silk, originating from the town of Chinnalapatti in Tamil Nadu. These sarees are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors. They are made by weaving the silk thread into intricate patterns that often include motifs such as flowers, animals, and birds. The intricate designs are made by weaving the silk thread through multiple sets of warp and weft, creating an intricate pattern. The vibrant colors come from the use of natural dyes, such as turmeric and indigo. Chinnalapatti Silk Sarees are a popular choice for wedding occasions due to their intricate designs and vibrant colors.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, sarees are a timeless and classic garment that have been around for centuries and are still a popular choice for many occasions. Tamil Nadu is known for its variety of traditional sarees, each with its own unique style and features. Kanjeevaram, Kanchipuram, Coimbatore, Pochampalli, Dharmavaram, Arani, Kumbakonam, Tenkasi, Chettinad, Salem, Cuddalore, Erode, Tirunelveli, Thirubuvanam, and Chinnalapatti are some of the most popular varieties of sarees from Tamil Nadu. Each of these sarees has its own unique style, design, and features, making them perfect for any occasion.
REFERENCES:
- Savitri, G., P. Sujathamma, and C. Ramanamma. “Glory of Indian traditional silk sarees.” Internal Journal of Textile and Fashion Technology 3.3 (2013): 61-68.
- Gowri, Pushpa, and Anitha Ramachander. “AN OVER VIEW ON THE GROWTH OFKANCHIPURAM SILK INDUSTRY.” ISBR MANAGEMENT JOURNAL ISSN (Online)-2456-9062 3.2 (2018).
- Elumalai, D., K. Uma, and T. Nivetha. “A study on marketing and value addition of silk in Tamil Nadu.” Indian Journal of Agricultural Marketing 34.2 (2020): 1-14.
- Savithri, G., et al. “Pochampally–An Unique Silk Handloom Cluster.” International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development 1.7 (2014): 418-421.
- Aggarwal, Reena, and C. M. A. I. Apparel. “The Kodali Karuppur Sari: a forgotten craft of Tamilnadu.” RN 29.39854/82 (2009).
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