Dharmavaram Silk Sarees (Dharmavaram Sarees) are manufactured in the Indian town of Dharmavaram, which is located in the Anantapur district of the state of Andhra Pradesh. These sarees are very famous for their unique weaving method, variety of colors and exquisite weave on the saree.
Dharmavaram sarees are usually made from pure silk, the special attraction of these sarees is that these sarees are known for their large borders and attractive colors. The border of the saree is woven separately and then the border is attached to the main fabric. Geometric shapes, religious symbols and natural paintings are created in saree weaving.
These sarees are popular not only in India but also outside India. Women prefer these sarees for weddings, festivals and other special occasions.
History of Dharmavaram Sarees
The history of Dharmavaram silk sarees can be traced back to the 19th century when weavers of the region started producing silk sarees for the local market.
During the reign of the Vijayanagara Empire, Dharmavaram was a major center of silk production. The weavers of this region were very skilled in weaving silk cloth using pure mulberry silk threads. From the 20th century, the Dharmavaram silk saree gained popularity among people outside the region as well.
In the early 20th century, the British government introduced powerlooms to India, which affected the handloom industry and led to a drastic decline in production. But still the weavers in Dharmavaram continued to produce silk sarees using the traditional method. With the help of Andhra Pradesh State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society (APCO), the weavers of Dharmavaram were able to sell the sarees to other parts of India and abroad.
The designs on sarees are inspired by nature, mythology and local folklore.
The most common colors used in sarees are red, green, yellow and pink. Sarees are known for their heavy borders and pallu. The Dharmavaram silk saree has become an important part of Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage and symbolizes the region’s rich weaving tradition.
Dharmavaram sarees have GI tag. More than 1500 silk production facilities and more than one lakh looms are currently operating in Dharmavaram. With an annual revenue of approximately 500 crores, the sector has contributed significantly to rural development.
Features of Dharmavaram Saree
- These sarees are made from pure silk, gold and silver embroidery, so these sarees are very expensive.
- The silk used in these sarees is of high quality and is sourced from different parts of the country.
- Dharmavaram sarees are famous for their golden edges. The edges of the sarees are embroidered with gold or silver zari which makes this saree very beautiful.
- The carvings on the walls of the famous Lepakshi temple in Anantapur district, Hindupur are beautifully done on the edges and drapes of the sari. This includes carvings of lotus, peacock, elephant.
- The border of this saree is 3-5 inches wide.
- Dharmavaram sarees are very good for weddings, hence these sarees are also called Rajwadi sarees.
- Pure Dharmavaram silk sarees are woven in two rows. So two shades are created in this saree.
- The special part of this saree is the layer of the saree. Along with gold and silver zari, the carvings on the temple are beautifully created on this layer.
- Due to the popularity of these sarees, their production has also increased significantly.
- It takes 10-12 days to weave a saree on a handloom.
Dharmavaram Saree Weaving Method
- Dharmavaram sarees are woven using a special technique called the interlocked-weft technique, which gives them a distinctive texture and design. The weaving process is done on pit looms, saree weaving requires high skill and precision.
- Two jacquards are used to weave these sarees on pit and frame looms. The body and pallu designs are woven on one Jacquard, while the border is woven on the other.
- Gold-tested zari, also locally known as half-fine zari, is used in warp and weft silk along with mulberry filature silk threads for extra warp and extra weft designing. Purijari is occasionally used in design.
- These sarees are made in 26 different designs. 11 designs are produced on this handloom. And 15 designs are produced on this powerloom.
- In a modern way, the designs on these sarees are loaded into the computer and then punched on the card. and finally set on the jacquard loom.
How to recognize a pure Dharmavaram saree?
- The price of these sarees is high due to the use of gold and silver zari. So, if you find this saree at a low price, it must be noted that it is definitely not a pure saree.
- These sarees are geographically oriented. So you should buy a saree by looking at the GI tag.
- Check the silk mark on these sarees, this mark is only from genuine sellers.
- Sarees are made in two shades. This is the most important feature of this saree.
- Burn a thread of this saree. If it smells like burnt hair then it is pure silk saree.
- If possible, you should buy these sarees from known places or artisans to avoid being cheated.
How to take care of Dharmavaram silk saree?
- Dry clean these sarees. So the gold and silver on the saree does not get damaged.
- Avoid washing the saree at home as it may spoil the saree.
- These sarees should be kept in the shade in a dry place away from moisture.
- Do not keep these sarees in plastic.
- The folds of sarees should be changed from time to time so that the saree does not get damaged.
- 1 to 2 times a year should be exposed to light heat, which will remove some of the moisture from the saree.
- Do not use direct perfume on these sarees, it may spoil the saree.
- This saree should be lightly ironed.
By following these tips you can take care of your Dharmavaram saree and make it last for years to come.
How much does a Dharmavaram saree cost?
- The price of an authentic Dharmavaram saree can vary depending on various factors like the quality of the silk, the design on the saree.
- The price of these sarees can be low or high depending on the quality of weave and fabric on these sarees
- The minimum price of Dharmavaram silk saree starts from 5000.
- The more weaving is done on the Dharmavaram silk sarees, the higher the price of these sarees.
- The maximum price of these sarees can be up to 1 lakh or even more.
What is the famous color of Dharmavaram saree?
Earlier these sarees were manufactured only in selected traditional colors but as per the increasing demand of the customers these sarees are now available in different colors as well.
Common colors are red, green, royal blue, yellow, orange and blue.
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