Chanderi Sarees
Chanderi sari is a traditional sari made in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, India. The weaving culture of Chanderi emerged between the 2nd and 7th centuries. It is situated on the boundary of two cultural regions of the state, Malwa and Bundelkhand. The people of the Vindhyachal Ranges have a wide range of traditions. In the 11th century the trade locations Malwa, Medwa, central India and south Gujarat increased the region's importance. The Chanderi sari tradition began in the 13th century. Around 1350, Koshti weavers from Jhansi migrated to Chanderi and settled there. During the Mughal period, the textile business of Chanderi reached its peak. Chanderi sarees are produced from three kinds of fabric: pure silk, Chanderi cotton and silk cotton. Traditional coin, floral art, peacocks and modern geometric designs are woven into different Chanderi patterns. The saris are among the finest in India and are known for their gold and silver brocade or zari, fine silk, and opulent embroidery
Weaving is done on the pit as well as frame loom technique. Generally the plain fabric is woven for dress material. Sometimes for ornamentation purposes extra weft designing is done by the Jala technique of weaving. How to distinguish genuine Chanderi Warp thread is un-degummed mulberry silk whereas weft thread is cotton, which is not commonly used in any textile products. Due to the un-degummed silk warp, the fabric texture is very soft. The fabric is not compactly woven. It is transparent and light weight, very suitable for summer wear.
Maheshwar Sarees Fabrics
Maheshwar Sarees and Fabrics contain Geometrical designs on its border, which are based upon the carvings/ scriptures/paintings and wall paintings engraved on the walls of Fort built by Maharani Ahilyabai in l8th Century. The Sarees & Fabrics have the same pattern of Borders and Pallava. However with the passage of time, the manner of construction has changed but the foundation of Border and Pallava remain the same. The size of motifs ranges from l0mm to l5cm depending upon the nature of products and orders.Maheshwar Sarees and Fabrics (Handloom products) are in continuous production for the last more than 250 years manufacturing Sarees, Dress material, ladies suits, Handloom etc. Its products are famous all over the country and as well in the international market. Needless to say, those Maheshwar products are well known by their name and reputation. The Government Gazetteer mentions in detail about the Maheshwar Sarees and Fabrics and its products, which has been used since the Mughal era. Even in the Imperial Gazetteer of India the production and manufacturing of Silk Sarees at Maheshwar are specifically mentioned. The construction of the famous Fort at Maheshwar by Queen Ahilyabai in the 18th Century is the foundation of this Handloom cluster. The manufacturing & production of Handloom Sarees and other products was initiated by the Queen Ahilyabai, which continued thereafter to till date. The District handloom Training Centre (Government of Madhya Pradesh) was established way back in the year 1920, which is still functional and is also acting as Quality Control Agency. It regularly imparts training to generate skilled weavers.
Source: Intellectual Property India