Evidences from temple sculptures and books, its quoted that sarees were worn as early as 1535AD. The five thousand year old legend Mahabharat is the first recorded reference of the sari. The famous Tamil poet quoted lists of saris of his period. It is attire worn by both rich and poor.
The etymology of the word sari is from the Sanskrit word 'sati', which means strip of cloth. This evolved into the Prakrit 'sadi' and was later anglicized into sari.
Some costume historians believe that the men's dhoti, which is the oldest Indian draped garment, is the forerunner of the sari. Till the 14th century both men and women wore the dhoti. Thereafter it is conjectured that the women's dhoti started to become longer, and the accessory cloth worn over the shoulders was woven together with the dhoti into a single cloth to make the sari. The Sari, like so many other textiles, gives the lie to the hierarchical distinction made between fine arts and crafts. The approximate size of a sari is 47 by 216 inches. Although it is an untailored length of cloth, the fabric is highly structured and its design vocabulary very sophisticated. The main field of the sari is framed on three sides by a decorative frieze of flowering plants, figurative images or abstract symbols.
MAIN TYPES OF SAREES WORN:
- BANARAS
- KANCHIPURAM
- MYSORE
BANARAS SAREE
Banaras sari is worn by Indian and non-Indian ladies. Banaras saris are made by satin silk. There is also a small percentage of gold mixed in it to make the sari. Usually the thread is made up of gold thread. Its gives a very rich look. This sari is one of the ancient sari is India.
KANCHIPURAM
Kanchipuram is the most famous sari in India. It is also known as the wedding sari. In most of the Indian weddings the groom will get his bride a kanchipuram sari. It is also one of the most expensive saris. The work of this sari is totally different from the others.
They sew this sari in two different ways. At the end of the work they will join the sari together. This is the specialty of Kanchipuram sari. The bottom part of the sari is known as "Jarikai". This "Jarikai" is made of different colours. Therefore the blouse of the sari follows the colour of the "Jarikai". The "Jarikai" will have pictures like peacock, temples and many more artifacts. They also design the "Jairikai" to the customers need personally.
MYSORE
Mysore sari is very different from any other sari. This sari is the lightest and softest. This sari is made of silkworm. The body colour of the sari differs from "Jarigai". This sari also has nice pictures printed on the "Jarigai". Ladies love to wear Mysore sari when they are going for simple functions.
HOW TO TIE SARI?
There are many ways to tie sari. They tie the sari according to their religion. South Indian sari tying is mostly worn by Singapore Indians. Lets take a look on how they tie the sari.
Before tying the sari the woman must
Wear the blouse and "paavadai". "Paavadai" is the inner skirt, which they have to wear. The colour of the paavadai must be the same as sari colour.
First must take the sari's end and tuck it into the paavadai. Must start to tuck it from right to left.
After going one full round, then must take madipu(folds). Must at least 5 TO 7 folds and tuck it into the paavadai.
After tucking in the folds, there will be remaining sari. The remaining sari will be used cover top part of the body. That is called the "Munthaani". The muntaani will be clipped on the left hand shoulder.
This is how sari is tied.
PAVAADAI
Young girls wear Pavaadai. Pavaadai is made from sari. They get the sari and sew for the young girls. They have 3 pieces in pavaadai. First is the blouse, and then pavaadai (skirt) followed by thaavani (shawl).
JIBBA AND PANTS
Young boys wear Jibba. There are cotton and silk jibbas. It is easy to worn. The pant of the jibba differs from normal pants. The jibba pants will have gatherings at the bottom.
DHOTHI/VESTHI
It is the most flexible attire worn by men in India. An unsown clothes which measures between 6 to 9 yards. A few sculptures and memorials have depicted men in dhotis. Like saris, nobles and commoners wear dhoti. Dhotis unlike saris are usually white in colour.
MAIN TYPES OF DHOTI WORN:
- COTTON DHOTI
- SILK DHOTHI
- POOJAI DHOTI
COTTON DHOTI
There are 2 types of cotton dhotis. One is a plain one with no patterns. Most men wear this plain dhoti when they are at home. The other type is known as "Jarigai" dhoti. This dhoti has "Jarigai" at the bottom. Mostly the "Jarigai" will be in gold colour. Men wear this dhoti for temples and occasions. These dhotis are 40 inches long and easy to be worn.
SILK DHOTI
Silk dhoti is made up of art silk. This dhoti is known as wedding dhoti. Usually the groom will be wearing silk dhoti during the marriage ceremony. This dhoti's "Jarigai" is made of Ganga and yamuna "Jarigais". This dhoti has two "Jarigai". One will be in green colour and the other one will in red. Therefore they can choose the colour and tie the dhoti.
POOJAI DHOTI
Poojai dhoti is mainly worn during prayers. It is a cotton dhoti. It comes in orange, red, green and black. The length of the dhoti is the same as the cotton and silk dhoti.
No comments:
Post a Comment