GLORY OF INDIAN TRADITIONAL SILK SAREES

摘要

Textile industry is a very importan t component of India's economy, and silk forms a small, yet important part of it because it is a high value fibre. The size of the silk industry in India presently, is about US $ 2.75 billion. Sericulture is spread all over India, while it has a long standing tradition in states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir. Silk the very name itself evokes delicate feelings. Silk is the most elegant textile in the world with unparalleled grandeur, natural sheen and inherent affinity for dyes, high absorbance, light weight, soft touch and high durability and is known as the queen of textile in the world ever. Silk has a sacred place in the cultural heritage of Indians and intermingled with the life and culture of the Indians; which no other country can share. Silk saree is an important bridal wear while the traditional practice of wearing silk clothing on all auspicious days has been the strength of the Indian silk in the domestic market. No other fabric has fascinated man so continuously over millennia as silk. Till today, no other fabric can match it in luster and elegance Silk has been intermingled with the life and culture of the Indians. Though India is producing all the varieties of silk garments i.e., dress materials, scarves/stoles, readymade garments, etc., the silk sarees are unique. The saree is almost synonymous with the word silk. It is the traditional costume of Indian woman since time immemorial. The silk sarees of India are among the living examples of the excellent craftsmanship of the weavers of the country. The artistic and aesthetic sense of Indian weavers is not content with striking colours they choose for the fabrics, but lies in their mastery over the creation of floral designs, beautiful textures, fine geometry and the durability of such work. The weaver not only weaves with yarn but with intense feeling and emotion. Indian handloom silk sarees known for their unique features like beautiful colour combinations, intricate designs and wonderful motifs, tops the demand of the domestic market. In India, there are a number of silk weaving centers spread all over the country, known for their distinct and typical style and products. South India is the leading silk producing area of the country also known for its famous silk weaving enclaves like Kancheepuram, Dharmavaram, Ami, Pochampalli, Gadwal etc. The beauty of the silk is the key to having wonderful silk sarees. Hence the paper made an attempt to enlighten the world famous Indian traditional handloom silk sarees.