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Baluchari Saree
Baluchari is a distinctive saree worn by West Bengal and Bangladesh women. The native saree is rendered with designs of mythological scenes on the pallu and is known for the intricate handwork on them. Ancient tales of the Ramayana and Mahabharata are intricately patterned on the sarees, giving them cultural and spiritual significance.
History Of Baluchari Sarees
Baluchari sarees got their name from the place of origin- Baluchar in Murshidabad. The Nawab of Bengal, Murshid Quli Khan, encouraged the weaving craft of Balucharis during the eighteenth century- resulting in the craftsmanship flourishing. Thus, the saree became a tradition, native to the village of Baluchar and extending to Dhaka. But after an unfortunate flood in the Bhagirathi river, the villages of Murshidabad faced a huge loss. As a result, the weavers of Baluchar travelled to
the Bishnupur village in the Bankura district. The industry had again faced a significant decline during British rule due to financial and political setbacks; Presently, authentic Baluchari sarees are produced in Bishnupur and some regions of West Bengal.
How They’re Made
The pallus of Baluchari sarees is an intricate process. The motifs, also known as “pallavs”, are drawn on graph paper; the colouring and punching process is done with cards. These cards are sewn onto the fabric to keep the designs in place. The weavers work in grueling shifts for five to six days to complete a single Baluchari saree.
The revival of Balucharis was led by artist Subho Thakur, who introduced techniques of jacquard weaving that made the making process more accessible and reduced the weaving time. However, the new era of Baluchari sarees still retained the original motifs inspired by mythology and epics.
Types of Baluchari Sarees
The Baluchari sarees were made from rich tussar silks during King Jagat Malla of Mallabhum. They can be categorized based on the yarns used for weaving.
These drapes are made using Resham threads in a single colour weave. Another type of Balucharis is made using two or more colours, featuring vibrant patterns.
The “Swarnachari Baluchari” is a special kind of Baluchari, which is made using intricate gold and silver threads- forming elaborate meenakari work to highlight the patterns.
Design Elements
Authentic and traditional Baluchari sarees are famous for the elaborate designs on their pallus. The royal lives of Nawabs inspired the woven designs- women smoking hookahs, scenes of horse riding, forests and elements of nature, and figures of European officers of the East India Company, during the British rule.
Baluchari sarees, known for their intricate designs depicting mythological scenes, are a popular choice among saree enthusiasts, along with tant sarees renowned for their lightweight and comfortable fabric.
Shop Baluchari Sarees
The meticulous production of Baluchari sarees, makes them a symbol of aristocracy- an attire of status. "Aditri" is a brand that brings you a curation of imperial sarees of Bengal on Pernia's Pop-Up Shop. The collection consists of luxurious silk Baluchari sarees; invest in them and reserve a piece of this regional Indian craft for all your special festivities.