TRADITIONAL SAREES FROM TAMILNADU : TYPE, DESIGN AND LOOK WITH IMAGES

 Tamilnadu is a state of southern region of India which has a special place in the world of fashion for its elegant sarees. The traditional sarees from Tamil Nadu have earned their recognition for their beautiful design and intricate work. The different types of sarees that have their origin in the state of Tamil Nadu alone form a major part of the South Indian silks, the border style is one of the basic points to distinguish them. Here are some Gorgeous sarees from Tamil Nadu, hold an essential part of state’s heritage and have a look at rich textile legacy, “kai thari ”(handloom).

KANJIVARAM SAREE

Kanjivaram saree is one of the most well-known and internationally famous silk sarees from South India. This saree, the pride of India, has its origin in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The traditional Kanjivaram silk saree has intricate heavy golden zari work all over and the borders as well. The designs with peacock or floral patterns, sometimes geometric patterns along with flowers and creepers all over the body, make the saree look rich and mesmerizing. The silk sarees in Kanchipuram are woven out of pure mulberry silk thread. In a Kanchipuram silk saree even if the saree tears the border of the saree remains intact. This is because the body and border are woven separately and attached together by korvai technique (interlocking mechanism of the body and the border of the saree). These are pride possession of Indian female and the traditional wedding sarees or bridal wear.

COIMBATORE SAREE

Coimbatore is a city of Tamilnadu and the sarees of this place are soft cotton handloom sarees, commonly known as South cotton. The designs that can be commonly found on traditional Coimbatore sarees are stripes and small butas (dots), dominated by oranges and greens. These sarees are rather simple and meant for regular use. Some Coimbatore sarees have intricate zari work all over along with great designs.

RASIPURAM SAREE

Rasipuram is a town in Tamilnadu, famous for its silk and handloom products. The longevity of these traditional silk handloom sarees and the durability of the colour are worth the buy. The designs, the borders, and the overall work are absolutely hand woven, due to which it takes a lot of time to make one saree. Traditional Rasipuram silk with temple border is known as classic wear by the sophisticated ladies of the society.

CHETTINAD SAREE

Chettinad is in Sivanga district of Tamilnadu and the beautiful sarees are woven here are called Chettinad sarees. Chettinad cotton sarees are also popularly known as Kaandangi sarees which was recently granted with Geographical Indications Tag. The traditional Chettinad sarees are famous and likeable for their bold colors like mustard, maroon, green, brown and yellows and patterns of checks and stripes in contrasting hues. These are commonly made of pure cotton but nowadays, pure mulberry silk Chettinadu sarees are available as well with intricate zari work all over the body.

MADURAI SAREE

Madurai is a city in Tamilnadu which is very well known for its handloom woven pure silk sarees. The traditional Madurai Silk sarees have zari work all over the body with designs ranging from checks to floral motifs to elephant figures, etc. Sometimes tie and dye method is also used to make Madurai silk.

SUNGUDI SAREE

The Madurai town is also famous for fabulous traditional Sungudi sarees. The Madurai Sungudi cotton saree usually comes with single or double color motifs along with silk and zari border. The peculiarity of Sungudi sari is their border and the tie and dye art which is imparted on these saris. This ethnic art of Saurashtra is seen in south India on these saris. Traditional Sungudi sari is light in weight and best stylish wear in summers.

KOORAINADU  SAREE

Koorainadu  silk  is woven in the Kumbakonam belt of Tamilnadu. The traditional Koorainadu sarees or koorai sarees are found in silk by silk and silk by cotton categories and are rich in colours.

PARAMAKUDI SAREE

Paramakudi saree cotton sarees are weaved in Thiruvannamalai  town of Ramanathapuram district, famous for their soft 80’s combed cotton and the intricate jacquard thread borders. The traditional weaves have a unique tie and dye design in the borders and pallu. 

MANALMEDU SAREE 

The traditional Manalmedu sarees are simple yet stunning cotton sarees from the Tiruchy cluster are well known for incorporating contemporary smart designs.

NEGAMAM SAREE

Negamam sarees are handwoven from the clusters of Coimbatore and Pollachi, have a rich weaving tradition. These traditional handloom sarees have specialty in its heavy cotton thread work done in the pallu.

DINDIGUL SAREE

The traditional Dindigul sarees are from Dindigul, famous for their softness, durability and fine finish.

KANCHI SAREE

Traditional Kanchi cotton is a rich heritage which is woven with motifs like rudhraksham, annam (swan), mayil (peacock) and manga (mango).

ARANI SAREE

 Arani sarees are as famous as the Kancheepuram but lighter than that. The sarees are woven with mulberry silk in warp and mercerized cotton in weft, with or without too much Zari. The traditional Arani silk sarees are inspired by the design and the technique of Pochampally ikats. The clientele base for this handloom saree went far and wide, including the overseas market in Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

KALAKSHETRA SAREE

Kalakshetra saree are made in the village by the same name in Thanjavur district . The art forms inspired the expert weavers to make sarees with exclusive colour palette of earthy colours and broad borders. The Jamdani technique of weaving, famous in the east India, is used. 

KODALI KARUPPUR SAREE

The Kodali Karuppur sarees were extremely popular during the times of Thanjavur Maratha rule, woven exclusively for the ranis and the royalty. The traditional saree was made with a mix of silk, gold and silver.

MS SAREE

The famous MS blue or Ultramarine blue saree has a special place in the wardrobes of handloom lovers. The saree gained popularity after music legend MS Subbulakshmi wore the drape to one of her concerts. There are also sarees in kili pachai (parrot green) with naaval pazham border, and a red and green combo is still remembered by rasikas.