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Handcrafted Banarasi Sarees are telltales of the weavers’ stories that replicate their artistry, brilliance, patience, passion, and hard work impeccably. It is no news that traditional Banarasi Sarees are treasured for their unrivalled aesthetic appeal, but what makes them appealing to the eyes? Is it their fabric or the craftsmanship? Well, as far as we are concerned, we at WeaverStory cherish these sarees for their unrivalled appearance, which is the collaborative outcome of painstaking efforts from the weavers, the durability and vibrancy of the colors of the threads used, and the unexampled zari work that creates motifs and patterns that set each saree apart from the rest.
Banaras has a long, rich history traced way back centuries ago, as does the fascinating tale of Banarasi Sarees. The Rig Vedas mention Banarasi Sarees as the ‘attire of god'. During the Mughal reign, Emperor Akbar was known to pioneer Banarasi weaving, which led to its immense popularity. The Mughal weavers and craftsmen blended their designs with the craft and settled in Banaras during this time. This is how the motifs and patterns intricately crafted on Banarasi Sarees found inspiration from the Mughal era and received appreciation and admiration from royals and riches all across the globe. Since then, these heirloom-worthy handlooms are prominently used to rock through special occasions and perhaps even to add to the bridal trousseau as a wedding Banarasi Saree.
The magnificence of a Banarasi saree cannot be compared to or replicated in any other weave in the world. The pristine-looking sarees are often made using one of the three weaving techniques: brocade, cutwork, or Kadhwa. When talking about motifs and patterns that entice you with their distinguished appeal and impeccable craftsmanship, you can find floral motifs, Shikargah motifs, bootis, and so many more. Let’s discuss a few of the many motifs richly decorated on a WeaverStory supremely elegant pure Banarasi saree.
The Alluring Motifs and Patterns of Banarasi Silk Sarees
Each WeaverStory masterpiece is a rendition of tradition, culture, and fine craftsmanship. Each silk thread is woven with precision by hand by the expert craftsmen of Banaras. The motifs and designs, along with the hues and colours of the fabric, contribute to the unparalleled aesthetic appeal of each Banaras saree. Let’s explore some exquisite motifs and patterns you can find in a WeaverStory masterpiece.
Jangla motifs
Jangla motifs are considered one of the oldest designs ever crafted on Banarasi Sarees. The motifs replicate the Jagala vegetation, richly decorated all over the Banarasi six yards. Remarkably, the word "jangla" implies "jungle," and the significance of the creation of this motif lies highly in the intricacy of the weave.
WeaverStory brings you this exquisite craft in the form of artwork like this Green Handloom Banarasi saree. The Jangla motifs intricately crafted on each Banarasi masterpiece exude a sense of happiness, opulence, and unrivalled elegance.
Paisley motifs
The paisley pattern has a fair bit of mystical and symbolic significance. In India, the paisley represents harvest time, which has both socioeconomic and spiritual values. Prominently, this motif was crafted for Indian royal families to incorporate into court garments as well as crowns. WeaverStory artisans extensively use this motif on various Banarasi Sarees. You can find one on the border of this Purple work of art.
Fun fact: For generations, Gujarati tribes have used the structure of paisley outside their homes. A rough illustration of a shape was imprinted by the side of a human fist. They considered it to be a fertility symbol and adorned their homes by stamping it onto their walls, praying for future generations.
Konia motifs
Konia is a mango-shaped motif that represents one of the most significant fruits in Indian mythology. The Konia motif illuminates the space between the border and the pallu of a Banarasi weave. Remarkably, the Konia motif represents wealth, abundance, and good fortune. With handlooms like this Yellow Banarasi Saree, dressing up in a Konia masterpiece becomes a breeze.
Shikargah motifs
The Shikargah motifs are designs that precisely portray hunting scenes. While the origin of this kind of design is yet unknown, it is thought to have originated in Persia. The Shikargah designs primarily feature floral and vegetable elements along with figures of humans, birds, and animals. The hunting patterns illustrated all through the expanse bring out the saree’s elegance like never before!
Handloom Magenta Shikargah Pure Katan Silk Banarasi Saree With Pure Zari
Our breathtaking Magenta Shikargah Banarasi Saree perfectly showcases how mesmerizing yet intricately beautiful a Shikargah design can look. You can explore many more Shikargah Banarasi Sarees on our website now!
Floral Jaal motifs
The floral jaal motifs are often considered inspired by the Mughal monarchs, as they were admirers of flowers and other elements of nature. This can be seen in the various Mughal monuments and other architectural artworks as well. The floral motifs are deeply cherished for their unrivalled, timeless aesthetic appeal.
While you can explore a plethora of WeaverStory Banarasi Sarees richly decorated with floral motifs, the Red Banarasi Saree is a scene-stealer often picked by women who look to adorn a blended look that showcases both the traditional and contemporary aesthetics impeccably.
Floral boota motifs
Boota motifs are those that are thoughtfully woven all across the six yards of the Banarasi weave, adding a touch of royalty and elegance to its aesthetic appeal. These bootas are principally woven along the surface using delicate gold or silver zari work. As mentioned before, the Mughal era had a significant impact on the creation of Banarasi Sarees. Since Islam discouraged using human and animal figures while weaving on handlooms, floral motifs, trellises, and creepers began to become the most preferred designs among Muslims. The floral boota motifs, among which flourished impressively, have managed to retain their popularity ever since. Sarees like the Red Banarasi Saree showcase how exquisite the floral boota look on a Banarasi masterpiece.
Regardless of whether you are looking for a bridal Banarasi Saree to take a dreamy walk down the aisle, a Patola silk saree to make a show-stopping entrance at the Navratri pandal, or perhaps even a bold, blue Banarasi saree to turn heads at a sumptuous cocktail party, WeaverStory has a masterpiece crafted specially to meet your requirements and personal preferences. Stay tuned to explore more exquisite Banarasi Sarees and dive into their magnificence.
Author: Simran Shaikh
