THE CHARM OF MADHAY PRADESH - CHANDERI SILK SAREE

Chanderi town

Chanderi is a town historical importance in Ashoknagar District of the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. Chanderi is surrounded by hills, lakes and forests and is spotted with several monuments of the Bundela Rajputs and Malwa Malwa sultans. Chanderi town is most famous for chanderi saree. Chanderi saree is traditional saree of madhay Pradesh. According to mythology or the Vedic period, it was said that chanderi was founded by lord Krishna's cousin Shishupala. The weaving culture started in 2nd century and 7th century but history has no clear record of it. But the weaving culture or tradition has been available from the 13th century. In the beginning the weavers were Muslims and later in 1350 the Koshti weavers from Jhansi were migrated to Chanderi and settled down there. During the Mughal period, the cloth business of chanderi has moved to peak.

Weaver of chanderi saree

The beauty of fabric consists in its fineness, softness and transparency, but the ends were often worked and fringed heavily with gold thread. Chanderi is a traditional ethnic fabric known for its lightweight, sheer texture and fine luxurious feel. Weaving of chanderi is done silk and golden zari in traditional cotton yard that result in the creation of the gleaming texture. This fabric can be classified in three types  – Chanderi silk cotton, pure silk and Chanderi cotton.

Motifs used by weavers on chanderi saree are inspired from nature and include swans gold coin, fruits and heavily bodies. From traditional motifs of flowers, peacock, lotus to modern geometric patterns adorning the Chanderi fabrics. Colours of chanderi saree with changing  times  vibrant combinations of red and black, turquoise and navy blue, fuchsia and white also exist.

Nowadays, young women prefer wearing Chanderi sarees.  Chanderi sarees are an impeccable choice for summer wear as well as for ceremonial dressing such as a weddings or pujas. Modern form of saree-drapes and other western dresses like gowns, jackets, shrugs and more are also being made of Chanderi Fabric.