Saree: The Classic Drape of India

If there is anything ubiquitous about the Indian culture, it is the traditional saree. The revered 4½ metres single unstitched piece of cloth has evolved over thousands of years. However, the aura of sarees for women have remained intact, standing the test of time. A style that is loved across generations, draping a saree is an art in itself. It requires a careful pleating process for folding across the upper body, which only comes with practice. In India, sarees come with intricate designs printed on various fabrics, and those beautiful patterns are sometimes the result of using wooden blocks. These mesmerizing block printed sarees come in abstract designs, usually with prints of flowers, polka dots, leaves, etc. Looking Back to History Sarees have been around for more than 5,000 years, and they are among the oldest forms of outfits in the world. The use of sarees can be traced back to the Vedic era, with evidence of its usage found during the Indus Valley Civilization (3300 –1300 B.C.E.). Despite being such an ancient form of drape, the popularity and charm of saree have never dipped. We still find saree to be a go-to outfit for more or less every occasion, be it marriages, festivals, offices, at leading fashion shows, etc. From every corner: rural to urban India, from modern college students to their conservative grandmothers, the saree is an integral part of Indian culture that has remained untouched. When we talk about sarees, you cannot leave out the art of creating block print. The hand block printed sarees first began to make their foray into the Indian culture somewhere around 3000 BC. The artisans used engraved patterns on the coins, which are archaeological evidence of block printing during that era. Various Types of Block Printed Sarees Take a look at the following types of block printed sarees: Hand Block Printed Sarees Beautiful hand block print sarees create a great impression on various traditional occasions and events. Bandhani Print Saree Bandhani is another popular type of printed saree in India. The word “Bandhani” originated from the Sanskrit word “Bandha,” which denotes “to tie.” These sarees are mainly available in the states such as Punjab, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. Dabu Print Sarees The process of producing Dabu print sarees is common in Rajasthan, using a mud-resist printing technique. Bagru Print Cotton Sarees The creation of Bagru block print sarees happens with dye using wooden blocks, and this type of printing is popular for its simple yet sophisticated appeal. Kalamkari Cotton Sarees Kalamkari sarees are yet another beautiful example of block printing. The meaning of Kalamkari” is “An art using a pen.” Batik Print Sarees Batik print sarees are made using the tie and dye techniques. These types of sarees are famous for their floral designs in vivid colors. Sanganeri Print Sarees The origin of Sanganeri sarees is in the Sanganer, Jaipur, which is the hub for hand block printing textiles. The Future Ahead The future of block printed sarees seems truly encouraging from the perspective of the current industry scenario. Both hand block printing and screen-printing have reached a crossroad, where more innovation is required to take the legacy ahead. Fortunately, more customized designing of the prints and impressions are making this industry thrive. If you are fond of unique and beautifully designed sarees, try block print sarees online.