Venkatagiri Sarees are mostly the handwoven zari cotton sarees, which are popular for their Jamdani style pattern of weaving. It comes from one of the historic town of the Venkatagiri, a state of Andhra Pradesh, and these sarees are the softest as well as most durable sarees from South India.They are mostly nine yards and is also suitable for all the climates. One of the biggest distinctive features of a Venkata Giri saree is that of a jamdani motif of peacock, swan, parrot, mango or leaf done in its pallu. One of the fine weaving, as well as unique zari designs of these sarees, is that it is made from the preferred choice of royalties in Andhra Pradesh.
They are mostly nine yards and is also suitable for all the climates. One of the biggest distinctive features of a Venkata Giri saree is that of a jamdani motif of a peacock, swan, parrot, Mango or leaf did in its pallu. One of the fine weaving, as well as unique zari designs of these sarees, is that it is made from the preferred choice of royalties in Andhra Pradesh.
History And Origin
Venkatagiri Sarees, are mostly known for their fine weaving, that dates back to early 1700 when these sarees were being made for artisan cluster that is close to Nellore called Venkatagiri. Then this place was known as ‘Kali Mili, the Velugoti Dynasty of Nellore was patronizing the famous product. The weavers used to weave these type of sarees only for the royal family. In return, they get used to being paid with such handsome amounts which would last at least a year or so till the next order is placed. More recently, these Venkatagiri Sarees got a widespread publicity by importing Jamdani design from Bangladesh.
Sources Of Inspiration
These unique, as well as high exclusive designs, is what mainly inspired this creation of the sarees. Exclusivity is what the Venkatagiri weavers do excel in. So, if you are having a design in your mind and want it printed on your saree, then you just need to do is get in touch with any of a specialized weaver and they will design a saree just for you. In fact, this town of Venkatagiri has almost of about 40,000 inhabitants, and 20,000 of them are the weavers!
Faces Behind Venkatgiri Sarees
In the early century of 1700’s, Venkatagiri Sarees are being used to be made only in certain order, just for the royalty. These weavers mostly used to make many exclusive designs for royal families and get paid in hefty sums. However, recent times, these Jamdani design technique has made these Venkatagiri sarees a household name. The President of India has also awarded the weavers who have brought this unique technique to India.
Present Day
Venkatagiri sarees have also earned a lot of global acclaim for being very fine, soft, light, as well as regal looking. The majority of these residents from the small town of the Venkatagiri, nowadays earn their livelihood by weaving this unique designs. The weavers are also very passionate about providing an exclusivity at an utmost satisfaction to the clients. Dyeing, as well as weaving method, are being in constantly updated. With the recent set-up of dyeing unit in town, the weavers of the Venkatagiri do not need to go to any of the nearby cities or even towns to get their product dyed, thereby saving them a lot of time as well as money.
Innovations
These Venkatagiri Sarees, previously used to be known as the Venkatagiri Zari Cotton Handloom Sarees, as they are to be woven using cotton threads. However, over the time, silk threads made a way in these unique sarees and with the import of the Jamdani designs, the Venkatagiri Silk Sarees found not only the acceptance amongst the masses but also became quite very popular.
Wearing Venkatgiri Sarees
Venkatagiri Sarees are extremely soft, durable, light-weight, and most importantly, consist of exclusive designs which are found in any kind of sarees across India. They are also extremely suitable for summer and have an all-climate appeal.
Maintenance
Venkatagiri Sarees are considered as one of the most finely woven sarees in India. It is very soft, smooth and light. It is also advisable to wash them with hands gently and not use any hard water while washing.
Interesting Facts
- These sarees are known for their fine weaving, and mostly use the pit looms for their weaving i.e. the looms are being fixed at a ground level and its pedals are placed in the pit.
- The Venkatagiri Sarees dates back to early 1700 when the Velugoti Dynasty famously patronized them.
- The uniqueness of the sarees is their exclusive designs that can be made even for a single person on order.
