The Paithani, a staple of every Maharashtrian bride’s trousseau, is known as the ‘Queen of Silks’ and takes a prominent place among India’s vast array of handloom sarees.

1. Paithani
Sarees:
Iridescent
weave,
exquisite
Drape

2. Source: Paithani Sarees: Iridescent weave, exquisite Drape

3. What sparks my creativity and
imagination
Source: Paithani Sarees: Iridescent weave, exquisite Drape

4. The Paithani, a staple of every
Maharashtrian bride’s trousseau, is known
as the ‘Queen of Silks’ and takes a
prominent place among India’s vast array of
handloom sarees. Originating from Paithan,
a town in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district.
It comes in six and nine-yard lengths and is
distinctive because both sides of the saree
have the same weaving. The weavers make
the motifs in the saree seem so realistic that
the leaves appear to be plucked from trees,
the flowers appear to be growing on the
textile, and the raised geometric forms and
figures from the Ajanta caves leap out from
the cloth. When draped over the shoulder,
their distinctive design of wide border and an
oblique body makes them extremely
appealing.
Source: Paithani Sarees: Iridescent weave, exquisite Drape

5. Paithani sarees have survived in
their traditional designs for over
2000 years and are still made using
the same weaving process. The
border of the Paithani saree is one of
the most prominent features it. The
complex inlay border pathways
require a master weaver, even if the
main body was woven by a very
competent weaver. The borders and
pallu were crafted of pure gold
combined with copper to give it
strength during the Peshwas’ reign.
One kilogram of gold to One tola of
copper was the ratio. The zari was
created by spinning the mixture into
a tiny wire. In recent times, Zari is
constructed of silver which is plated
with gold.
Source: Paithani Sarees: Iridescent weave, exquisite Drape

6. Source: Paithani Sarees: Iridescent weave, exquisite Drape

7. Different dynasties that controlled the state
from time to time brought new techniques and
materials to it. Furthermore, this art has
traveled through generations in weavers’
families in Paithan and has seen evolution at
every stage. Each Paithani motif represents
2000 years of tradition and culture. It not only
displays a deep understanding of human history
but also the deep relationship that exists
between Nature and the factors that make our
lives pleasant. Traditionally, parrots, peacocks,
and lotuses were mostly adorned on the saree
with a lot of intricacy and details; during the
Peshwa period, the Hans motif, the Ashrafi
motif, and the Asawalli were equally popular.
The pallu usually consisted of Muniya, a kind of
parrot that is woven in the borders in green,
with a whimsical touch of red at the mouth.
Over the course of 2000 years, artisans have
innovated and embraced each motif that gives
us a narrative about our culture. This has left
an indelible impression on Maharashtra’s piece
of art.

8. Thank
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