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Origin of Paithani Weaves

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India has long been enthralled by handlooms; priceless weaves are cherished and passed down from generation to generation as priceless recollections. The Paithani is among the most expensive pure silk sarees in India. The locals affectionately refer to it as the Queen of Sarees because of its status as a royal saree and as a representation of Indian culture and respect. The Paithani sari is the main character in this scene because Maharashtrian brides have long preferred it; the cultural significance of the kaleidoscope color palette is further highlighted. Choose from our most Shop for Georgette Sarees online in india collection at iraah.store Great deals on bridal designer sarees for the bride

History & Origin of Paithani Sarees

More than 2000 years ago, the magnificent city of Pratishthan, which is now Paithan by the Godavari in Marathwada and is located about 50 kilometers from Aurangabad, was ruled by the renowned Satavahanas emperor Shalivahana. Since the early 17th century, Paithan has served as a significant silk distribution center. Up until recently, Paithan was still a significant hub for the manufacture of silk textiles. The Paithani silk saree's history is fascinating. In the 16th century, the weaving of this silk saree was first noted in the regions surrounding the city of Paithan, which is located south of Aurangabad. Paithan has long been a significant center for the production of silk.


What makes Paithani Sarees so special? 

A pattan is a silk and gold saree. While sarees were traditionally made for wealthy consumers, the revival of Paithani weaving shifted the focus of production to meet export demands. Paithani evolved from a cotton base to a silk base. The body of the fabric was made of cotton, and the borders and weft patterns were made of silk. In contemporary Paithani, cotton is nowhere to be found. 

The original fabric of the Paithani saree was once made from the finest silk threads from China and locally spun pure zari. This saree is renowned for its lavish use of gold, floral, and bird-inspired patterns, which showcase years of extravagance and the skill of Indian handloom. While the more recent iterations of the saree are made from Paithan and Yeol using locally produced silk strands from Bangalore, the zari is derived from Surat. Buy Party Wear Designer Saree online in India from Iraah Store. Shop from a wide range of georgette sarees at lowest prices, with easy payments, COD & returns

Simpler patterns with single colors are also highly sought after by women all over the country. While these sarees typically feature a kaleidoscope of colors, keeping them incredibly eye-catching, they also come in many different designs. An exceptional Paithani saree is recognized for its weaving technique. It comes in a variety of colors and has a wide selection of traditional patterns that uphold its heritage in its threads.

Even though the skill is centuries old, the Paithani sari is still made in the same way according to tradition. It's woven with extraordinary care because of how delicate the silk-threaded sticks are. Because of this, Paithani is a substance that cannot be compared to others of its kind.

It is a very labor-intensive process that can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on how intricate and complex the design is. Also, the traditional method of making Paithani sarees requires a day just to set up the silk strands on the loom.


Manufacturing of Paithani Sarees

The most fascinating aspect of the Paithani handloom is how identically created both sides of the saree appear to be. While a six-yard Paithani saree typically uses 250 grams of zari thread and 500 grams of silk thread, the nine-yard versions can weigh up to 900 grams due to the additional fabric needed. From beginning to end, only skilled hands have contact with the saree. Machines or mechanics are never used during the procedure.

The zari is made from pure gold, while the sarees are made of pure silk. As a result, it ranks among the most popular choices for traditional handloom sarees. The foundation of the saree's understated design is the garment's straightforward weave. The zari is woven with silk to create a complex pattern with the help of tiny clothespins that the artisans deftly handle. The tapestry weaving method is another aspect of weaving. 

 

Story of Silk Threads

Paithani saree is made with the finest quality silk that is used to weave this masterpiece. But the silk threads that are used in the weaving process are classified into three types - 

  • Charkha - This type of silk yarn is of low-quality, bland, and inconsistent while weaving. 
  • Ciddle-Gatta - High-grade silk with a thin, glossy, smooth, and even shear.
  • China Silk - This type of silk is quite expensive to use. 

After this raw silk has been cleaned with caustic soda and dyed in the required colors, the threads are meticulously separated. The borders are made using the interlocked weft technique, which can be done with either colored silk or zari.


Ground-colored silk designs are typically added as an additional weft inlay in the zari border in the shape of flowers or creeping vines. 


Paithani Sarees for Brides 

Paithani saree

The Paithani saree is a common wedding attire in Maharashtra. The sarees are an obvious choice due to their exceptional complexity. Because of the history woven into its strands, it is prized. The handmade quality of the clothing is valued. The simplicity with which it frames a silhouette makes it calming. It truly is the perfect wedding dress for every bride in every way. As a result, the bride at the majority of Maharashtrian weddings would be dressed in the fabled Paithani silk.

 

Techniques used in the production of Paithani Sarees

Following are some of the essential factors that make the Paithani silk saree special and these are the techniques used in the production of the Paithani saree. 

  • Each Paithani is uniquely made traditionally. Despite the similarities in the designs, there are typically some significant differences. Each item is guaranteed to be unique because it is handcrafted.
  • The distinguishing characteristics of a Paithani are the fully handwoven border and the pallu, or embellished end of the saree draped over the shoulder or head.
  • For the pallu, authentic Paithani frequently have motifs like parrots, peacocks, lotuses, vines, and other flowers.
  • By weaving the fabric lengthwise with one color and widthwise with a different color thread, the kaleidoscopic appearance is achieved. Because of this, a real saree also displays color variation when light reflects off of it, giving the appearance that the saree's color is shifting. 
  • The patterns on the front and back sides, as well as the border and pallu, are identical.
  • These sarees, which can cost up to 1.5 lac and beyond, have gems and pearls on the borders of extremely pricey Paithani.
  • Genuine Paithani never lose their brightness, in contrast to other silk sarees, because they are made with gold/silver thread and natural dyes and hues. Which suggests they need more maintenance than readily available sarees made by machines. 
  • The original Paithani saree comes in the length of six as well as nine yards. It features the same qualities and patterns. 
  • The fake Paithani sarees can be cheaper, whereas the original Paithani sarees range from 5000 to 1.5 lakh and even more.

Types of Paithani Sarees

Paithani sarees

Pophali (yellow), Aboli (pinkish-peach), Orphankhi (bluish-green), Mirani (black and red combination), Firozi (pastel red and green), and Vangi (aubergine) are just a few of the saree variations that are offered. Craftsmen use this color scheme to produce a wide range of simple but beautiful designs that are inspired by nature. The body is usually adorned with buttis to draw attention to the border and the pallus. 

The Muniya (a species of parrot), the Akruti (squarish almond-shaped blossoms), the Mor (a peacock), the Ajanta lotus, musical instruments like the tabla, shehnai, and sambal, the Koyari (mango), and most significantly the border designs of Narali (coconut) and Pankha (fan-shaped) are among the most popular designs used to implement. 


Paithani Sarees on Weaving Type

Kadiyal Border - In Sanskrit, a sari's kadiyal border denotes interlocking. The warp and weft of the body are different colors. But the warp and weft of the border are the same color.


Kad/ Ekdhoti - In kad/ ekdhotis, a weft is woven with just one shuttle. Weft and warp yarn have different colors. It has a narali border and a plain butti pattern like paisa and katana. Male Maharashtrians wear a lungi, also referred to as kad.


Why Paithani Sarees are expensive?

  • Color and pattern - Sarees with geometric patterns cost less than those with floral patterns. The Bangadi Mor, which is the most expensive and has a lotus and four peacock themes, is intricately made.
  • The Pallav is a weaving technique used on Persian carpets that dates back 2,000 years.
  • Time - It can take anywhere between six months and two years to weave each one with an intricate pattern.

Conclusion 

One of the most exquisite sarees in Indian textile culture and heritage is the Paithani saree. The Paithani region is known for its peacock motif, but more and more people are experimenting with floral motifs these days. Because it is so distinctive and elegant, floral motifs woven with golden Zari make it a truly royal affair! The Maharashtra region is known for its Paithani sarees. These can be identified by their oblique square border patterns and peacock design pallu. 

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