HANDWOVEN JAMDANI LINEN SAREES: A CULTURAL HERITAGE
Jamdani sarees are an iconic part of Indian culture, representing the spirit and strength of women. Read on to find out more about this beautiful and intricate art form and the culture behind it!
History of Jamdani
Jamdani is a relatively recent textile tradition, dating back to the 18th century after the decline of the Mughal Empire. Traditionally woven with silk and cotton yarns, it became popular as a way for weavers to continue their livelihood after the decline of the empire. Jamdani was once known as ‘Nilkuthi’, meaning ‘woven by the weaver’s
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Types of Jamdani
The traditional Jamdani saree is a highly artistic and elaborate product. It is woven in an elaborate process, which includes calendering the cloth in order to achieve a fine texture, weaving it in intricate designs, using zari threads to create patterns, combining it with other fabrics for finishing touches. The weavers now use the power looms for weaving, although handlooms are still used in some places.
Materials Used in Jamdanis
The fabric is traditionally woven on a chakla, a flat warp-histle loom. The weft thread is usually cotton or silk and there are two sets of threads at right angles to each other. Weaving is done in such a way that the cloth becomes densely packed with threads which gives it strength.
How to Wear a Jamdanis Sarees?
Jamdanis Sarees are a type of saree which can be worn in different ways. It is classified as a six-yard saree and comes in various beautiful colors and designs. The most popular way to wear this type of saree is by draping it over your head and shoulders like a shawl. Another way to wear it is by wrapping it around your waist and then pulling the end through the front of the fabric, tying it at the back like a tight skirt or simply knotting it at the back like a sari.
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A Conclusion
In India alone, there are over 3000 handloom producing districts. The silk industry is also a major source of income for the Indian economy, employing over 3 million people. Jamdani materials have been worn by royalty and aristocracy since ancient times. In particular, it was a favorite textile for women nobles in the Mughal empire who prized its beauty and durability. The Jamdani weaving technique has been passed down from generation to generation and is now an important cultural link to our past.
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