Handloom sarees, the six-yard drapes indigenous to Bengal, are more than just a piece of fabric. It has a rich tradition that dates back to the Mughal period, where ‘handloom’ or ‘the art of weaving’ found patronage under the Mughal emperors. Handloom sarees, popular for their outstanding designs and texture, symbolized as the attire of the elites and nobles of the society back then!
As of today, owning a piece of authentic Bengal handloom sarees in Kolkata is considered an investment worth every penny. And it’s not just about the exclusivity of the fabric, but the rich history and heritage that it is connected with, that makes these attires so special in the first place!
A Glimpse Into The History Of Bengal Handloom Sarees
Under the royal patronage of the Mughal era, handloom sarees witnessed massive popularity, whose effects spread to distant places.
The industrial revolution that emerged during the British Raj, had devastating effects on the entire cotton textile industry as a whole! Mass-produced textiles, which came at a way cheaper price, began to reign supreme in the market, thereby posing negative impacts on the handloom industry which faced a sharp decline in demand thereafter.
However, the post-independence period served as a renaissance era for Bengal handloom sarees, as the government intended to put their focus more on self-reliant industries. This led to the revival of the lost glory of Bengal’s handloom heritage.
Handloom Sarees- A Tale of Woven Artistry!
So, why are Bengal handloom sarees so popular among women nowadays? That’s because its manufacturing process is no less than an outstanding art form, that involves skill, creativity, and endless patience!
The procedure starts with artisans selecting the fibres, which are at first spun into threads. Next, these threads are coated with a variety of natural dyes, after which the fibres are loaded onto the looms and the weaving process begins.
The total time taken to manufacture a handloom saree ranges anywhere from a few weeks and can take up to a few months as well. Why so?
First of all, they are all woven by hand (hence the name ‘handloom’). And second, each of the handloom sarees comes associated with intricate designs and beautiful motifs depicting religious symbols, or floral and geometric patterns. The more complex the motif, the more time it would take for the weaving process to complete!
In the present era where ‘fast fashion’ has become a major trend, the labour-intensive and time-consuming process of manufacturing handloom sarees reflects the meticulousness and the dedicated craftsmanship of the weavers.
Also, this investment of sheer dedication and skills of the weavers into each of the sarees is what makes these stunning pieces exclusive, and also helps keep the traditions of this ancient skill alive. And that’s one of the reasons why more and more people nowadays look for Kolkata cotton sarees online!
Popular Types of Bengal Handloom Sarees
Now that you’re aware of the history, and how Bengal handloom sarees are made, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of Bengal handloom sarees that you can find across reputed Kolkata saree boutiques like Katha: A Tale of Weaves-
- Jamdani– Popular for floral and geometric designs.
- Baluchari– Exclusive for mythological designs and motifs.
- Taant– A lightweight and breathable attire made of pure cotton, and a perfect fit for the hot and humid weather conditions of Bengal.
- Kantha– Well-known for hand-embroidered floral patterns.
How Does The Future Of Handloom Sarees Look Like?
Powerlooms have quickened the entire manufacturing process substantially, which has enabled the mass production of sarees nowadays. Screen-printing techniques have taken over, and due to the lack of labour-intensive practices, sarees have become much more affordable.
However, what powerloom sarees lack, are authenticity and exclusivity, which stands as the trademark of handloom sarees! That’s one of the many reasons why people precisely search for handloom Bengal cotton sarees online!
Having said that, the Indian government has taken some major steps to protect the handloom industry and has also implemented a range of schemes and policies like the National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), and the Weaver’s Mudra Scheme (WMS) to show their support to this industry and promote handloom sarees not just across Bengal, but to the world!
Summary:
Read the blog for an in-depth exploration of the rich history, and legacy of Bengal handloom sarees, and learn about the significance of owning a piece of this attire.
