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In this series, we spotlight the stories of people who support handloom traditions by wearing them with pride, thereby preserving our cultural heritage.
While Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi movement began as a call for self-reliance and economic independence, it had a profound and lasting impact on the Indian handloom sector and became one of India’s most prominent national movements. At WeaverStory, handlooms are not a once-a-year landmark to be celebrated and cherished for a mere 24 hours, but to be preserved throughout while catering to its growth and awareness among people and the society as a whole.
India’s textile story is one of the oldest in the world. As people of the land of these famed textiles, it is on us—the artisans, consumers, and brands—to take on the responsibility of preserving and continuing this legacy. Together, connected by the threads of tradition, we are partners in the journey to preserve this heritage and ensure its vibrant future.
For our first guest in the series, we shed spotlight on Ms. Sudarshna Sengupta and her passion for owning authentic handloom sarees. From a young age, Ms. Sudarshna Sengupta was captivated by the beauty of handloom sarees. Growing up watching her mother drape the intricate patterns of Banarasi and Dhakai Jamdani, she knew handlooms were destined to be a part of her wardrobe. Her mother's passion for authentic Indian handlooms and her relentless pursuit of the finest examples inspired her to cherish this heritage.
Below, in a candid conversation with WeaverStory, she shares her earliest memories and her journey with handloom textiles and sarees.
Ms. Sudarshna Sengupta
WeaverStory: Do you have any memories of your first experience with a handloom textile/saree?
Ms. Sudarshna Sengupta: This goes back to when I was a kid, and I would always see my mother wearing her sarees, and I’d try them on too. She would show me her wedding saree—a Banarasi—and tell me to look at the zari. It's been so many years since I've been married, but the memory is still as bright as the day.
I grew up watching her wear beautiful sarees and loved trying them on myself. She taught me to appreciate the intricate details of handwoven fabrics. She would travel all over India to find the best sarees, even going to Bishnupur and Kanchipuram to find a special one. I still have some of those sarees today.
My mother loved natural fabrics like Bengal cotton too, and I feel like I've inherited her love for handlooms now.
My First Saree ever- A French Chiffon my parents bought me when I was 16
WeaverStory: Is there a prized piece in your collection? Does it have a story?
Ms. Sudarshna Sengupta: Some of my mother's sarees are so precious to me that I wouldn't let anyone touch them. I inherited a Banarasi saree that has been in our family for four generations. Unfortunately, many of her sarees were lost after she passed away, but the ones I have left are incredibly special.
One of my Ma’s Dhakai Sarees | Heirloom Saree
My first saree, which I bought myself in Calcutta, is a crepe saree with striking block prints. The body is a vibrant flame orange with tribal motifs, and the pallu is a beautiful combination of black Banarasi Jamdani with real zari and Dhakai Jamdani. I also have muslin Jamdani sarees from renowned weavers like Biren Kumar Basak and Rajib Debnath.
The first saree I bought with my own money, from a store called Kanishka in Kolkata. I still shop there! | The only saree in my wedding trousseau I paid for- a kora banarasi. Needless to say the fam wasn’t very happy with my choice of colors
WeaverStory: What draws you to invest in handwoven pieces?
Ms. Sudarshna Sengupta: I don't see sarees as investments; they're simply beautiful things in life that bring me joy. It's incredible to think that humans have been creating such intricate textiles on looms for over a thousand years. The fact that this art form has survived through generations and is still appreciated by people is truly astounding. Take Jamdani, for example. Its designs originated in Persia, its cotton in Bengal, and its weavers came from various places, yet it all comes together to create such something extraordinary.
I feel there are only two things that I'm passionate about, which are preserving handcrafted textiles and traditional Indian food.
WeaverStory: You’ve been a long-time admirer of WeaverStory's collection; we’re curious to hear your perspective. What qualities set our handloom sarees apart, and what makes it so special for you?
Ms. Sudarshna Sengupta: I appreciate the authenticity of WeaverStory's products, the excellent service it provides, and the exquisite beauty of the sarees. The website clearly explains everything, from the intricate kadhwa and cutwork to the exceptional quality of the fabrics.
Author- Team WeaverStory
