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Tant Saree
Tant is a type of handwoven cotton saree- native to the region of Bengal. The word “taant” is a bengali term for handloom, on which the sarees are made. Light and transparent- these sarees are famous for suiting the grueling Indian summers. The traditional tant sari is worn by women of every household.
History Of Tant Sarees
In the Mughal Era, the taant and muslin sarees became popular in Bangladesh and Murshidabad. Evidence of the oldest taant textiles can be traced to the district of Shantipur in Bengal, during the 15th century. Later on, the British Government tried to destroy the textile industry entirely, feeling
threatened by its success. But after the division of Bengal province in 1947, some of the weavers migrated to West Bengal and continued their craftsmanship- hence, keeping the craft alive.
How They’re Made
Tant sarees are majorly made on pure quality cotton and muslins. After extracting the cotton yarns, they are heavily starched to make them strong. The designs are then perforated into a cardboard, which is suspended on the loom to weave the designs into the saree.
The weaving process is done with two shuttles, where the cotton is closely deft with the thread to form
a strong base. Honed by the weavers of Bengal for ages- this process was earlier, only done on handlooms; However, in modern times, the evolutionized power looms have replaced that.
Significance Of Tant Sarees
Tant sarees represent one of the oldest local crafts of India. The traditional art of weaving "jamdani", which is used on tant textiles, is a heritage craft that forms a major part of Bengal's culture. UNESCO
has enlisted Tant- as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Design Elements
The tant saree is defined by a thick border and an elaborately patterned pallu- woven with floral and paisley motifs. Some of the traditional motifs rendered on the tant sarees include- bumblebees or bhomra, amulets or tabij, royal palace, half-moon, kalka or paisly, tara or stars, fish scale, elephants, etc. The sarees are woven with locally procured Bengal cotton; the finely spun yarn results in soft, feathery muslin and mulmul textiles- ideal for Indian summers. The texture of the sarees range from fine to coarser.
Tant, a traditional Bengali cotton fabric, beautifully complements the intricate motifs and designs of a baluchari saree, creating a stunning ensemble.
Tant Sarees Today
These sarees are still habitually worn by the native women of Bengal- at home, to parties and festivities and weddings. During the rituals of a traditional bengali wedding, the bride is gifted a yellow coloured tant saree to wear during the haldi ceremony. Even some prominent personalities like, the Chief Minister of West Bengal- Mamata Banerjee and Bangladesh Prime Minister- Sheikh Hasina have made the tant saree their signature look.
Image Credits
Wikipedia | Crafts Council India | Gaatha | Facebook | Down to Earth | IndiTales | Google Crafts and Culture | The Indian Ethnic | The Craft Altas | Outlook India