The double-coloured Ganga-Jamuna saris are traditional Maharashtrian saris.
The main characteristic of this sari is the plain weaving with solid colours on either side --- both sides of the sari can thus be worn. This sari is woven on double cloth principle with two shades of colour in the warp and weft.
These saris are woven on pit-looms mainly with pure cotton yarn.The uniqueness of the Nagpur saris are the designs that are woven with the Nagpuri wooden dobby. Designs are woven in stripes and checks with fly shuttles, complimenting the finely textured body with richly attractive borders.
Paithani named after the village of Paithan near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. These are the famous silk sarees of Maharashtra.
It is a hand-woven sari of gorgeous colours, intricate design and painstaking labour and treasured as a valuable possession in every Maharashtrian family. No Maharashtrian wedding trousseau is complete without the Paithani sari.
Distinctive motifs such as parrots, trees an d plants are woven into the saree. The shades vary from vivid magenta, peacock greens and purples. In the pallav, the base is in gold and the pattern is done in silk, giving the whole saree an embossed look.
Vafta, produced in Madhya Pradesh is an angelic blend of silk and cotton. These Handoomed sarees closely-woven silk fabric with all over or partly gold or silver thread patterns. The light grounds have a lovely golden haze from the silk warp. The drape is as comfy and lofty as cotton but has the dazzle of silk. These are very finely printed in subdued colors using traditional block printing.
The state of Madhya Pradesh is also famous for Tussar silk sarees. The look of the Tussar Sari, plain or coloured, is so rich that it is a favourite choice for formal occasions.
Tussar silk produced in Madhya Pradesh, is known by its Sanskrit name 'kosa'.
Maheshwar on the banks of Narmada, is an important centre.
The beautiful Maheshwari sarees are among the most popular sarees produced in India. The Maheshwari saree of Madhya Pradesh has an unusual origin for it is traced to a benevolent queen who once ruled over that territory and designed the first saree.
History of the Maheshwari saree: These sarees are largely produced in the town of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh. The origin of the Maheshwari sarees dates back to the 18th century, when the state of Indore in Madhya Pradesh was ruled by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
The Chanderi saree from Madhya Pradesh is light and meant for Indian summers. It is produced in a small town called Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh.
Chanderi Sarees are products of delicate weaves and subtle design that come off the looms in Chanderi, near Gwalior. Chanderi is famous for weaving extremely fine zari band (patti) right up to the selvedge edge. Motifs are drawn from all around - hunting scenes, trees, man, woman, birds, fruits, flowers, and heavenly bodies.
Chanderi sarees are very light and ideal for Indian summers. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, airy feel, narrow borders and decently designed anchals with buttis. The Chanderi sarees give a sophisticated look to whoever who wears it.
Kerala has special Karalkkudi sarees of unbleached cotton with rich broad gold borders and pallus.
The plain white Karaikudi saris have a woven gold band on the borders and the pallu. These saris are very famous and are always in high demand.
Kasaragod sarees from the north of Kerala are masterpieces made with high quality yarn using traditional hand made methods. It is known for the design, quality, varied colour pattern and ornamented jaris or borders. The weaving is done in a unique style by giving care to the thread and applying a special kind of paste to make the saree strong and long lasting.
Koothampalli in Thrissur district is also well known for its handloom fabric. Here a community of Devangas who immigrated from Karnataka are engaged in weaving. The 'Kasavu Sarees' which are being produced here is mostly with half fine jari and hence more economical. Koothampalli sarees are preferred by the middle class people for its comparative low prices.
This saree from Kerala is known for its elegance and sophistication. The trick lies in the rich cream colour and the gold zari border of the saree. The combination of cotton and cream gives it a cool feel making it perfect for Indian climates.
The price of the saree depends upon the zari. The zari which uses real gold plated silver threads fetches a higher price as compared to when artificial zari is used.