Sarees originated in India hundreds of years back. Women adorned and still adorns saree not only as a mark of modesty but also because it makes them feel more connected to their roots. There are many saris that are talked about when we speak of the heritage of India. But the name of ‘Patola’ is often missed out, even though they are gorgeous and extremely vibrant.
The colourful heritage and culture of India find a very apt expression in the form of Patola sarees. Traditionally these saris were made on silk and featured thread work of colourful threads in a geometric pattern. These sarees were first woven in Patan, Gujrat by a few Hindu families. They were often traded to Muslim traders to carry them to the middle east, and the Jains adorns these saris very much (though not the silk type).
The Importance of Patola Sarees
These saris were always handwoven and were made on a canvas of silk. It took many hands and several days to complete the thread work on a single saree. Hence, these sarees were and still remains one of the costliest in India. Gujrati brides often wear patola sarees on their weddings and look ethereal.
A Few Features of Patola Saree Today
· The price of a patola sari depends on the work it holds.
· Some patola saris that are made on the finest of silk and the best of thread works can cost up to or over a lakh!
· The hues on patola sarees can last for centuries!
· The 'double-ikat' type patola sari looks exactly the same on both sides. Hence it becomes impossible to tell the front from the back.
· These days, the latest sarees collection of Patola sarees come in an affordable range so those common men can as well buy them.
Latest sarees collection: Different Type of Patola Saris
Cotton Patola Saree
This is a variant that is affordable by the common men and will be available in a few thousand. Cotton patola saris look best when they have a zari border with a multi-hued body. The colour of a cotton sari might not last for centuries, but it will surely last for many years.
Patola Silk Saree
This is the original and traditional type of Patola sari that is made of the finest quality of silks. Threadworks of different colour threads along with zari is done by hand.
Patola Saree in Jute
You might be surprised by this category. Well, the pattern of Patola was loved so much and so well by women, that it has become available in all fabrics. The jute patola saris look terrific in a body of beige with multicolor thread designs. You might as well think of adding a touch of mirror work on the borders.
Plain Patola Saree
This type is pretty antithetical to the whole concept of Patola. But these days, our generation is going towards a more simplistic outfit trend. So, a plain patola sari with wide border might be just the right choice for you for a wedding or festival.
Patola & Banarasi Sari Blend
These are two types of saris that are considered top rated. The blend of Patola and banarasi often features meenakari work on the canvas and are very vibrant, often in the shades of red, pink, yellow, green or blue.