BALUCHARI SAREES

Baluchari sarees have a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. The sarees originated in the town of Baluchar in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India. At the time, Murshidabad was the capital of the Bengal province under the Nawabs of Bengal, who were known for their patronage of the arts. Baluchari sarees are typically worn on special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and formal events. They are considered to be a symbol of luxury and sophistication, and they are highly valued for their intricate designs and high-quality craftsmanship. Today, Baluchari sarees continue to be produced in the town of Baluchar as well as in other parts of West Bengal. They are also exported to other parts of India and around the world, and they remain a popular choice for those looking for a traditional and elegant saree.

Comprising saris, shawls and handkerchiefs, this textile is probably the only woven narrative in India. Every piece holds an interesting story in its folds — the lavish lifestyles of Nawabs and European sahibs and bibis. Though much is not known about its origins and also why the tradition stopped, over the years an effort has been made to revisit and revive Baluchari. The Baluchari saree was one of the National Award winners among the main weaving styles in the year 2009 and 2010 presented by the then President of India. hrough time, the visual language of textiles has offered up vital clues to the prevailing social contexts, to ideas of what was desirable and fashionable, to the economy and the body politic that was significant at their time of production and use. Examples abound from the late-16th-century woven Vrindavan Vastra with its images inspired from the Hindu text of the Bhagavata Purana, and on to today’s graphic t-shirts this widespread means of communication continues to endure. The late-19th-century pictorial Baluchari weave can be viewed through this prism of history and context with its enduring continuum echoing its past.

The word “saree” is believed to be derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “strip of cloth”. Saree, symbolic of femininity, is probably the world’s only erstwhile, unstitched attire extensively and affectionately enjoyed in India and other Asian countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal & Myanmar. Wearing a saree is an Indian tradition and culture for many ages. Womenfolk used to drape sarees since the Indus valley civilization. Since then it has undergone a lot of adaptation in designs, colors, fabrics, and styles of draping. Traditionally saris were worn without blouses and most of the drapes had no petticoat. Modern style of draping sarees originated during the Mughal era. During earlier days, the six-yard cloth was worn in a single sheath, without pleats. An illustrious woman from Bengal taught the society to drape a saree with pleats.