The 'Story of Paithani Saree' - Know its Origins
The essential part of every Maharastrian woman's wardrobe, and mostly part of every Marathi Wedding Trosseau is the Queen of Sarees , known as 'Paithani' Saree. Usually known as the Saree of Royalty and Queens, the beautiful 'Paithani' saree has an elaborate story to it. Let's begin with the Origin of this Precious saree.
The essential part of every Maharastrian woman's wardrobe, and mostly part of every Marathi Wedding Trosseau is the Queen of Sarees , known as 'Paithani' Saree. Usually known as the Saree of Royalty and Queens, the beautiful 'Paithani' saree has an elaborate story to it. Let's begin with the Origin of this Precious saree.
Origin:
The Name Paithani, is actually derived from the name of the town Paithan, in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, where these exclusive sarees were handwoven for more than 2,000 years. This saree was patronised by the Nawabs, Nizamis and the Peshwas.
However, it was actually the Satvahana Dynasty in the 2nd Century BC who were the real originators of this artistic version of a Saree. The finest silk sarees flourished during Aurangzeb's rule, where he actually punished weavers if they did not weave paithani sarees.
However, once the British came the art of handloom paithani's took a setback and so the Peshwas shifted all handloom paithani weavers to Yeola, which is the mainstay for all Paithani weavers.
Weaving Technique:
Raw Silk threads are dyed and then handwoven together in a unique pattern by the weaver. This process takes an entire day and with minute hand and eye co-ordination the Paithani saree comes into existence. It sometimes takes upto 2 months to a year to create a masterpiece like Paithani if handwoven, and which usually is.
Color threads are used length and width wise to form intricate patterns and motifs
Some Facts:
- Sixyard Paithani is made with approx 500 grams of silk and 250 grams of Zari Threads
- Nineyard Paithani is made with approx 900 grams of silk thread
- Takes upto 2 months to 1 year to create one Handloom Paithani
- To recognise a True Paithani, check both sides of the saree, if they are identical then its a True handwoven Paithani, if not its a factory made copy
- Paithani's trademark motif is a Peacock, however now Paithani's are available in various different types of motifs such as lotus, vines, birds, flowers etc
No comments:
Post a Comment