Zari Work of Varanasi, one of the famous Crafts of Uttar Pradesh. In fact, Varanasi takes pride in being a center of hand-made textiles that is renowned all over the world.
The age old traditions of weaving are more preserved in Varanasi than anywhere else. The main products are brocades and Zari Work of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The weavers who are behind these beautiful creations are mainly Muslim and are called by the name of ‘karigars’ which refers to ‘artists’.
Varanasi Zari Work uses Zari thread that is called ‘kalabuttum’. It consists of finely drawn silver, gold or base metal threads that are wound round as silk thread. Silk traditionally used to come from Central Asia, Italy and Bengal. However, at present, it comes from Kashmir, Malda in Bengal or Japan.
In the brocades of Varanasi, you would find some stunning Zari Works. Kimkhabs, classified as one of the best known brocades of Varanasi, have more visible Zari work than Silk. These were admired a lot in the Mughal court. They were woven by using Mukta, a kind of coarse but durable silk. Other brocades that consist of Zari works consist of Potthan, and batta or batt-hana.