Unveiling the Beauty of Jamdani Sarees: What You Need to Know
The skilful art of weaving unique patterns on silk fabric has created the famous silk jamdani saree. Crafting this exquisite outfit requires a high degree of skill and precision. The intricate floral motifs adorn the traditional jamdani saree and add an elegant touch.
It is one of the most sought-after traditional Bengali sarees that exudes opulence and luxury. Creating a Dhakai saree is a tedious process that involves carving intricate details on the entire fabric. The floral motifs are first drawn on graph paper to create a stunning design.
A Dhakai jamdani handloom saree is made by interweaving silk fabric with cotton or linen threads, resulting in a soft and lightweight saree that adds a classic and sophisticated look to your appearance, sure to impress all fashion enthusiasts. This saree is perfect to wear on any occasion, be it formal or informal.
History of the Jamdani Saree
A beautiful jamdani patola silk saree enhances a bride’s beauty on her wedding day. The roots of this beautiful fabric can be traced back to the 9th century when an Arab traveller mentioned the finest cotton fabrics made in the kingdom of Rahmi, which is now undivided by Bengal.
The jamdani saree was transformed into its original form during the 12th century when artisans were influenced by Islamic culture and infused the fabric with countless floral motifs. The motif-rich collection was given poetic names like Shabnam, Ab-i-rawan, and Baftnama, which happened during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar.
The weavers from different regions of Dhaka, Bangladesh, later weaved the Jamdani sarees into the most exquisite piece of women’s attire. During the Mughal reign, the pure cotton Dhakai jamdani saree became the favorite attire of royal ladies.
However, during the British colonial rule in our country, this gorgeous piece of attire lost its grace and suffered a decline. But in 2013, UNESCO declared it an “Intangible cultural heritage of humanity.” Its delicate and soft fabric is the ultimate luxury for special occasions.
Types of Jamdani Sarees
Several types of jamdani sarees are available in the market, and they can be classified based on their motifs or the region they are woven in. It is essential to know about the popular motifs used in jamdani sarees, such as Tersa (diagonal patterns), Jalar (evenly distributed motifs), Duria (polka spots), Butidar (small flowers), Fulwar (flowers arranged in straight rows), and Charkona (rectangular motifs).
Jamdani sarees can also be classified based on the region they are woven in. For instance
- Tangail Jamdani: These sarees are woven in the Tangail district of Bangladesh and are characterized by broad borders and lamp, lotus, and fish scale motifs.
- Shantipur Jamdani: This jamdani saree is woven in Shantipur, West Bengal, similar to Tangail Jamdani sarees. They have elegant striped motifs all over the saree.
- Dhakai Jamdani: The Dhakai Jamdani saree is Bengali women’s original and most popular saree. The saree has fine workmanship that can fascinate anyone in a moment, and it can take weavers up to 9 months to a year to weave a single piece of saree.
- Dhaniakhali Jamdani: These sarees are woven in Dhaniakhali, West Bengal, and are known for their bold colors and dark, contrasting borders.
Jamdani sarees are a cherished cultural heritage that has gained international recognition for their exquisite design and luxurious appeal. They are available in various types, like Jamdani patola silk saree and Dhakai jamdani saree, classified based on motifs or the region they are woven in.
Each type has unique features and characteristics that make it distinct from others. The popularity of jamdani sarees continues to grow, and efforts made by various organizations have helped preserve and promote this delicate and soft fabric, making it an ultimate luxury to wear on special occasions.