The Maheshwari Saree – Heartening Revival Of A Fine Tradition

The Maheshwari Saree, is a regal traditional offering, which despite the odds, has managed to survive the test of time. Emerging a winner, Maheshwari weaves continue to remain as a fine example of the devotion and dedicated efforts to preserve the purity of a traditional art.

     

Maheshwar is a town in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh, India. Located close to Indore, the commercial capital of the state, it once had prominence as the capital of Malwa region during the rule of the Holkars.

It has also been since, a centre of handloom weaving.

Famed for its Maheshwari Sarees, the innovation of a royal queen, Rani Ahalyabai, Maheshwar is today home to the making of one of India’s finest traditional handloom fabrics.

The Maheshwari Saris are exclusive for their unique designs on silk and cotton fabrics, the fine use of zari and brilliant use of stripes, checks and exquisite floral borders.

Distinctive features of the Maheshwari Sarees are its light weight, shiny lustre, and a fine display of colours, with brilliant motifs, an attractive Pallu and a border to match.

The Pallu is particularly noted for the colourful stripes in varied colours such as green, pink, magenta, mauve, violet etc. which lend the fabric a mesmerising look. The border is also adorned by trendy designs and themes such as the Maheshwar fort and similar subjects.

There was a time at the start of the twentieth century when Modern Day industrialization slowly saw the advent and popularity of power looms. Change in trends, increased apathy of those in power, extremely disproportionate returns for the valuable time and effort put in the making of the Maheshwari Sarees, discouraged the weavers engaged in this art and threatened its extinction.

A descendant of the Holkars came as a God-send and the Rehwa Society was established in 1978, primarily for employment to women and encouraging the revival of this ethnic art.

Located in one of the historic buildings of the town, more than 100 weavers, mostly women, are engaged in the weaving of this fine fabric. Their families also get the much needed monetary aid and support services like healthcare in this mutually beneficial association.

The Maheshwar loom has the buttas or motifs and the borders made on the shuttles involving an intricate system of weaving. Coupled with dedicated introduction of innovations it has given the Maheshwari Sari its pride of place as one of the finest traditional fabrics that has survived the test of time and regained its former glory.

Elegant geometrical block printed motifs on the Maheswari cotton sari having a zari patti border is a refreshing change and makes comfortable wear through the day. It suits corporate office goers, college professors and those engaged in similar professions. It is also preferred for festivals and traditional occasions.

Maheswari silk sarees decorated with thread embroidery, kundans and beads are stylish and could be worn for conferences and social gatherings.

The printed Maheswari Sico sari with its patch border and zari pallu is most alluring wear and an eye-catching proposition for parties.

Unnati Silks, devoted to ethnic sarees and salwar kameez materials, trendy designs, attractive patterns, pleasing colour combinations, reasonable prices, dispatch within 24 hours of order, free delivery & COD for retail, world-wide express shipping.  

Contact: 

UNNATI SILK PRINTS PVT. LTD,#3-4-360, Vajra Complex, General Bazar (Tobacco Bazar), M.G.Road, Hyderabad-500003.

AP,India.040-64555251 

Our Website : www.unnatisilks.com

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