Banarsi silk sarees have been the first love for most Indian women since ancient times. In earlier times owning such sarees was an indication of the class and position of women in society. It was a big deal as the sarees were considered to be a sign of majesty and hence reserved only for women of wealth and power. Even today the sheer beauty and elegance of Banarsi sarees are unmatched which makes them quite popular among females seeking a traditional attire that enhances their glamor quotient.
Origin Of Banarsi Silk Sarees
As is evident from their name, Banarasi silk sarees are native to the ancient city of Banaras. Located on the banks of River Ganga, the city is a hub of skilled artisans and craftsmen who have been creating these amazing drapes for generations. During ancient times, the city was a major textile center and produced high-quality handmade fabrics that were used across the globe.
Silk sarees produced in Banaras were the most in demand, especially among the women of royal families and noble households. The exclusive beauty and rich elegance of these sarees made the wearers look even more graceful and magnificent. The sarees created a unique style trend that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Even though the exact time of origin of Banarsi silk sarees is not known, they have become an integral part of India’s cultural heritage. The traditional silk sarees of Banaras have evolved significantly over time, yet their timeless beauty and classic appeal have never faltered even slightly.
What Makes Banarasi Silk Above Other Types Of Silk For Sarees?
Many people are surprised to learn that silk sarees in India are broadly classified as Banarsi silk and other types of silk. It makes them wonder about what makes Banarasi silk stand above other types of silk. This is because of the following unique features of Banarasi silk.
- Banarasi silk is one of the finest varieties of silk that is known for its soft and lightweight texture.
- The stands of silk fabric are extremely soft and offer a good feel when touched.
- The silk has a pearlescent sheen and luster which gives it a bright and attractive look.
- The fabric made from Banarsi silk changes its color slightly as per the position in which it is held.
All the aforementioned features make Banarsi silk quite exclusive and special for making beautiful and elegant sarees.
Why Are Banarasi Sarees So Expensive?
Banarasi sarees are generally quite expensive. These Indian sarees can cost anywhere between Rs 4000 and Rs. 1 Lac or even more. The various factors contributing to their high costs are explained in brief as follows.
Making A Single Saree Takes Weeks: One of the biggest reasons behind the high price of Banarasi sarees is that it takes weeks to make a simple saree. This is because the silk used for making the sarees needs to be expertly prepared before it is woven into a fine fabric on a traditional handloom. The manufacturing time increases with the complexity of the design of the sarees as it takes more time to weave the design into the fabric with great finesse.
Type Of Motifs And Patterns: Banarsi sarees are especially known for the motifs and patterns that are woven into the fabric itself. Weaving these motifs and patterns requires the employment of skilled artisans and experts in the craft. The greater the expertise and skill of the artisans, the more they charge for making a saree, which in turn contributes to increasing its cost. However, hiring such artisans ensures that the look and finish of the final product is simply flawless.
Types of Threads Used: It is quite common to use threads drawn from pure gold and silver for making the various patterns of Banarasi sarees. Hence even a slight increase in the prices of these precious materials has a significant impact on the cost of the saree. Hence, it is not surprising that sarees with heavy zari and silver work are far more expensive than those woven using only simple silk threads. Similarly, an increase in the cost of Banarsi silk also impacts the overall cost of the saree.
Branding Of The Sarees: When the Banarsi silk sarees are sold under renowned brand names, their prices increase naturally. Buying from such brands assures the customers of the authenticity of the product and hence they become willing to pay more. Many times, renowned designers also hire artisans to create the sarees exclusively for them which also results in a higher price. If people were to buy directly from the artisans creating the sarees, they will get the same product for a fairly lesser price, although this might require extensive research and effort.
How Can I Know If The Handwoven Banarasi Saree I Ordered Is Authentic?
Given the growing popularity of Banarsi sarees, it is not surprising that numerous websites offer their cheap imitations. While there is no certain way of assessing the authenticity of a handwoven Banarsi saree order online. However, people can use the following tips to verify whether or not it is truly handwoven Banarsi silk.
- The first thing to do is closely check the motifs and patterns, which for most authentic Banarasi sarees are Mughal-inspired. If the motifs are in the form of butis, leaves, or floral patterns, the chances of the product being authentic are quite high.
- Another way to establish the authenticity of the handwoven saree is by paying attention to its pallu. In most handwoven sarees, the presence of a long patch of plain silk just about six to eight inches wide reflects its authenticity.
- Finally, all websites are required by law to provide an accurate description of their product. Hence, they are forced to acknowledge the authenticity of the handwoven Banarasi silk sarees in the product description. So reading the description carefully can help erase any doubts for prospective buyers.
Wrapping Up
Most women in India are very much secretly in love with the royal and mesmerizing appeal of Banarasi sarees. Being aware of the veracious aspects of its creation helps them to further cherish this treasure of a fabric that adds value to their wardrobe.
