HISTORY OF KANJEEVARAM SILK SAREES

Kancheepuram, a temple city is also a land of huge, historic South Indian Temples known for their architectural brilliance. It was ruled by some of the greatest rulers such as the Pallava’s.

It was during this period the two weaving communities Devangas and Saligars migrated from Andhra Pradesh to this town. During this era, wearing a silk saree was considered auspicious for every celebration.

Soon the beauty of Silk sarees reverberated the towns of Tamil Nadu, spanning to all of South India and eventually throughout the world.  

There are historical inscriptions which record that weaver’s in Kanchipuram are descendants of sage Markala, the “Master Weaver of God”. And also the silk fabric is considered to be the most favoured one by Lord Vishnu himself.   

This explains the number of weaving units clustered around the temple surroundings. Handloom weaving in Kanchipuram dates back to the Sangam period.

In the early days, it was a tradition that no festivities happened without women in their silk sarees. Even today in many parts of South India wearing a Silk Sarees has become mandatory on all important gatherings. It is widely considered as a status symbol now with its increasing popularity.

Kanchipuram Silk Sarees are known for their intricate designs made by weavers loom them with their hands. Nonetheless, with the fast-moving world with and with the arrivals of machine woven sarees, the city of Kanchipuram still holds good and follows the path of the early weavers with their handwoven beauties !!