With a population of about million, India is said to be the most culture oriented country. In
fact, India is the oldest country to be known for the best art of weaving. With its references
back in the Vedas, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the silk fabrics and woollen shawls
also have a sentimental value because of its origins.
These richest traditions of woven textiles use a variety of techniques for the processing and
weaving of fabrics. As it is said about language that dialects change for every 10 kms, in the
same way every village or centre has a distinct style of weaving. Even within a single village
different types of fabrics are produced by various communities. On the contrary, each style of
silk weaving style is different in different parts of the country.
Like the Paithani, from Paithan village which is very famous for their handicraft and texture.
Paithani saris are known as “Mahavastra of Maharashtra”.
“Paithani of Maharashtra is not just a silk sari of gorgeous colors but a interlacement of
intricate designs and painstaking labour.” – Gowri Ramnarayan
Silk is not just a fabric; it is the heart and soul of Maharashtra. The Peshwa period noted the
zari made from a gram of gold and one tola copper. The patronage of the Peshwas was the
real period that evolved as the Golden Age of the Paithani. It’s a saree of gorgeous colors,
intricate designs and painstaking labour. Along with its hand woven property, it has more
importance as it expresses hardwork and skillset of Indians. Thus it replicated the status of
the wearer since then. More than often, these indispensable fabrics were witnessed on various
auspicious occasionscontinuing the same in modern generations, these heirlooms are
preserved in different forms right from sarees to ghagras.
Hence, talk about Paithani and you will see Maharashtra’s eyes lightened up!
