Chanderi Fabric: A beautiful rendition of silk

Chanderi is a historic fabric. Made out of a myriad melange of cotton and silk, with a unique texture and feel adorning beautiful motifs, these saris date back to India's medieval past. How and where were they first woven, who wore them and how have they changed now?

The beautiful Chanderi saree in all its grandeur Image source - Google images

The origin of the Chanderi saree is rather a very interesting story. The Koshti weavers who gave birth to this exquisite fabric were royal weavers to the family during the 13th Century. However, its evolution could have taken place over several events from our past. Those were the days of constant shifts in imperial authority, in Bundelkhand, Malwa, Delhi. Moreover, the Chanderi district was the seat of imperial trade in the medieval period for the kingdoms of Malwa, Medwa, Central India, South Gujarat, etc. With the ushering of the Mughals, this fabric gained enormous prominence for its beauty, and comfort.

It is very intriguing to note how Handloom designs, perhaps in their heyday, have all played a significant part in their journey. Today Chanderi fabrics and designs are used in every saree designer's house in the country and are popular in every saree shop. To keep up with the pace of modernisation, today the attempt is to include modern design elements as well. However, even today you can get traditional chanderi sarees woven by traditional chanderi weavers. Traditional handlooms have been slightly modernized, and with the support of state and central governments, new jacquards can be seen on traditional looms. Still, the knowledge of weaving has been passed down from generation to generation. The technique, design and weave are still classic chanderi as they have been preserved and kept alive. step.

Not only can you buy traditional sarees like this from Chanderi, but you can also see them up close and interact with the weavers. Once you've finished shopping for sarees in Chanderi, you can also explore the various historical sites of this once-bustling kingdom of merchants and merchants.

And as you know, these traditional weavers of Chanderi make not only sarees but also stoles, shawls, bed sheets, tablecloths, wall hangings and more. Chanderi art is a living history of thousands of people who weave their works day and night with immense toil and dexterity. In the wake of artificial intelligence creating art, it is important to remember this dying textile industry for it has always brought exquisiteness and comfort, beauty and grace with itself.