SILK IN VARANASI (BENARAS)
Dating back to ages, Silk weaving in Varanasi is one of the most ancient and vibrant parts of the Banaras culture. While the Banarasi silk saree and Banarasi silk are one of the most renowned things from Varanasi, the weavers of Varanasi remain behind the limelight. Portraying some of the most regal and gorgeous blend of colors and culture, the weavers of Varanasi have created many masterpieces using the Silk fabric. From ancient times till now, they have perfectly mastered the art of weaving Banarasi silk sarees and have still maintained the astonishing quality of artwork in their designs.
Silk in Different Avatars:
There are four types of silks produced in India that includes
- Mulberry Silk – is one of the most established and popular forms of commercial silk, particularly when it comes to textiles.
- Muga Silk -is a variety of wild silk from the state of Assam,known for its extreme durability and natural yellowish-golden tint
- Eri Silk – is also known as endi or errandi in India and referred to as the fabric of peace when it is processed without killing the silkworm.
- Tussar Silk – is a type of wild silk produced by caterpillars other than the mulberry worm and has a feel and quality different from the Mulberry silk.
When it comes to Banarasi silk , the type of Banarasi can be distinguished by the use of its fabric – Pure silk (Katan), Organza (Kora) with zari and silk, Georgette and Shattir.
All these fabrics are like bits and pieces of a masterpiece that are put together quintessentially by the weavers in Varanasi. Jangla, Tanchoi, Cut-work, Tissue, and Butidar are some of the most magnificent and regal methods of weaving used by the weavers in Varanasi.
