The Luminescence of Banarasi Silk: Types, Fabrics, Designs and Matching Blouses

The saree derives its name from the oldest city in the world-‘Banaras’, located on the banks of the River Ganges. This city was formed in the 11th century BC in the Northern State of Uttar Pradesh, India. This type of sarees is one of the finest in India and is traditionally made only in the land of Banaras. Though this type of sarees has emerged hundreds of years ago, still the top-class designers in Bollywood incorporates this style in their bridal collections to bring to enhance the glam factor.

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The Origin of Banarasi Sarees

The Banarasi sarees came into existence during the Mughal era. It was during that time that various craftsmen chose the city of Banaras to give vent to their creative flair and started weaving Banarasi sarees. The blending of various motifs such as Kalka, bel, jhallar, floral, and foliate is a characteristic feature of the Banarasi sarees. Weaving a Banarasi saree is a work that takes much labor. It takes between fifteen days to a month to weave one saree. Sometimes, it takes up to six months of time to create a single piece of saree.

Fabrics of Banarasi Sarees

You have often heard ‘banarasi silk.’ But it might interest you that banarasi sarees are available in other fabrics too. In this article, we will discuss the fabrics of banarasi sarees.

1. Katan (Pure Silk)

These days, the banarasi sarees made of Katan or pure silk are made of using a loom. But previously, they were hand woven. The plain fabric of Katan forms an excellent base for weaving Banarasi design, given the inherent luster of the fabric.

2. Shattir

This is the choice of contemporary designers for Banarasi. It is the fabric for modern banarasi sarees.

3. Kora

Kora is yet another fabric that is widely used for weaving Banarasi sarees. It is not as pricy as pure silks and has a textured look. The golden and silver Zari threads indeed look fabulous on Kora fabrics.

4. Georgette

Georgette is a light and flowy fabric that is made from threads of silk. Real georgette is highly priced, and it made a very good canvas for weaving Banarasi fabrics.

Designs of Banarasi Sarees

Banarasi sarees are also classified based on the designs that are woven on them.

a. Jangla

Jangla is a kind of vegetation, and this motif is one of the oldest ones and has a classic look to it. The jangla banarasi sarees look regal as they are embellished with heavy weaving of the zari threads that run across the entire length of the saree.

b. Tanchoi

The Tanchoi style characterizes heavy weaving of paisleys in a labyrinth. These sarees are inordinately beautiful and are often worn by women to weddings.

c. Cutwork

These sarees are made by using cutwork techniques on the sarees. These sarees are not as expensive as other variants on this list. This kind of saree is basically a lesser version of Jamdani with Zari works with motifs like jasmine, marigold, creepers, etc.

d. Bootadar

This is by far the most popularly preferred motifs by women. Threads of rich gold and silver frequent this type of sarees throughout the rich and dense weavings. The common motifs that are used on the buttadar sarees are Latiffa Butti, Angoor Bail, Resham Butti, Jhumar Butti, Baluchar butti among various other popular motifs that are loved and revered by women across India.

Blouses to Pair with Banarasi Sarees

A saree without a good-looking blouse is incomplete. Here are a few types of Blouses that look great with banarasi sarees.

  • Embroidered Blouse
  • Full Sleeve Silk Blouse
  • Sleeveless Blouse with Boat Neck
  • Elbow Length Blouse with Matching Border