The essence and aura that a bandhani saree can render are unparalleled. Its history is steeped deep into the Indian culture. If you are a lover of Bandhani sarees, then you are likely to love reading about it.
History & Origin of Bandhini Sarees:-
The term Bandhini or Bandhej comes from the traditional Sanskrit word Banda or Bandhan that means to tie or tying something. It is the oldest form of tie and dye art that had begun almost 5000 years ago. Bandhini sarees have been known to originate from the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. This practice is a true art that involves dyeing a fabric that is tied tightly at several joints with a thread, producing a variety of patterns.
As per the historical significance, the first Bandhani saree was worn during the royal marriage of Bana Bhatt’s Harshacharita. The Bandhani sarees also have historical evidence from the era of Alexander. In India, it is said that the bandhani work of art was started by the Muslim Khatri community of Gujarat. And now, well-known places like Jaipur, Udaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Sikar in Rajasthan, and Jamnagar in Gujarat produces Bandhini sarees, Odhnis, and Turbans. It is the most ancient form of art that is still now in practice.
And ever since then, Bandhini sarees have evolved highly in terms of patterns, designs, fabrics, and prints. These saris are a perfect blend of bold and beautiful bright colors that have very small motifs executed all over the textile. Bandhini saris are extremely light in weight and soft on the body that makes the wearer very comfortable to wear and easy to drape and carry all day long. These saris can be worn to different important ceremonies and occasions like traditional festivals, rituals, weddings, parties, etc.
Patterns & Designs of Bandhini Sarees:-
The art and technique of making Bandhini saree are as interesting as its history. The making of bandhani saris involves two basic steps that are tying and dyeing, which is a highly skilled process. The fabrics that are used in the making of these saris are tied very tightly with threads at different points in knots and then dyed with desired extraordinary colors and patterns. But, when this tied cloth goes for dyeing, the threads or knots do not allow that part to catch any color, thus, letting it stay white or whatever color the cloth has. And after the sari is done dyeing, it is left for drying in the open air.
Bandhini saree comes in varied types of colors, patterns, and designs. The primary colors that are used in the making of bandhani saris are mainly yellow, red, maroon, green, blue, orange, and black. Generally, a bandhani sari is made up of a single base color that is further decorated with small motifs that are made of various other colors in contrast to the base color.
The motifs that are made are usually in the shape of bells, stripes, flowers, creepers, etc. and symbols like dots, stripes, waves, and squares. Depending on the patterns of knots made from the clusters tied have their unique names like Leheriya, Ekdali, Trikunti, Chaubandi, Satbandi, Mothra, Dungar shahi, Jaaldar, Beldaar, Shikari, Boond, Kodi, and laddu jalebi. These saris are further enhanced with a silver or golden zari borders all over the sari.
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