The history of Maheshwari sarees can be traced back to the eighteenth century, during the Maratha Holkar reign. The saree's name originates from the historic city of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh. It is said that the first Maheshwari saree was designed by the queen Ahilyabai Holkar itself. It was woven from pure silk. Stories say that Queen Ahilyabai Holkar had a team of specialized weavers from Surat and Malwa to design a nine yard handloom Mulberry Silk saree. Later, this became known as the Maheshwari Silk Saree.
What is Special About Maheshwari Sarees?
Maheshwari sarees stand out as one of the finest sarees, highlighting the artistry of India's handloom industry. The saree was initially woven in silk but now it comes out in cotton silk, cotton and wool. The sarees are available in a wide range of colours, ranging from vibrant hues to contrasting combinations. Maheshwari sarees are classified as Chandratara, Chandrakala, Beli, Baingani Chandrakala, and Parbi based on large borders and checkered designs.
Maheshwari Cotton Silk Sarees
Maheshwari Cotton Silk Sarees are crafted with a combination of pure quality silk and cotton. The sarees are woven using a distinctive handloom weaving technique called Kuppadam. The body of the saree is usually simple, stripped, checked, or has a chatai pattern, with a contrasting colour border and pallu. The border and pallu are further decorated with zari.
There are some features that make Maheshwari sarees special from other sarees.
The borders of the traditional Maheshwari Sarees are reversible, therefore, the wearer can wear them on either side.
The saree is made by weaving silk lengthwise (warp) and cotton crosswise (weft).
Gold and silver threads used lengthwise make the saree distinctive.
The zari stripes on the loose ends (palla) make the saree attractive.
Maheshwari cotton silk sarees are lightweight with a sheen texture making them denser than Chanderi Silk Sarees.
The designs in borders and pallas are inspired by the patterns carved on the walls of the Maheshwar temple, forts, and palaces in Madhya Pradesh.
How to Identify Maheshwari Sarees?
Traditional Maheshwari sarees are an example of a handloom masterpiece. The ways to distinguish an authentic Maheshwari saree from power loomed sarees are:
Handloom Maheshwari Sarees come with weaving irregularities while powerloom sarees usually have a perfect texture.
Handloom Maheshwari Sarees usually have a slight shine or glow while powerloom sarees are way more prominent or shiny.
Handwoven specialty makes Maheshwari sarees reversible, looking similar on both sides while in powerloom sarees this exactness is hard to achieve.
Choose your favourite saree from a wide range of authentic handloom Maheshwari silk cotton sarees offered by Myposhaak. These sarees are suitable for any occasion, casual or formal, making anyone look elegant and beautiful.
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