Paithani Sarees: A Masterpiece in Traditional Handicrafts (Written by Sophia Shome)

The history of Paithani Sarees is traced back to the Satvahana Dynasty of the 2nd Century BC. At that time, the saree was made of pure gold wire with cotton and silk. 2000 years ago, the Greco- Romans were very fond of Paithani sarees and they exchanged it for gold. It was worn only by the royals.

Paithani also has a mention in many Hindu and Buddhist texts. In the 18th century the Paithani sarees enjoyed patronage of the Peshwas. It is said that these pieces of art caught the fancy of the Nizam of Hyderabad, and it was his daughter in law who introduced new motifs to the selvedge and pallu.

Why are Paithani Sarees treasured?

Paithan, a town in Maharashtra is treasured for its historical and cultural significance particularly for the traditional exquisite Paithani silk sarees. the sarees are loved and treasured for their uniqueness and handwoven artistry, their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and rich borders. These sarees symbolize artistic heritage and are considered a prized possession by many.

Besides the saree, the town of Paithan is also the birthplace and the final resting place of the revered Maratha saint Eknath and a pilgrimage site for Jain devotees to a Digambari Jain Atishay Kshetra.

Some of the variations of Paithani sarees each reflecting the rich heritage and artistry of traditional Indian textile to make a more specific choice. Let’s take a more detailed look at some types-

1. Bangadi Mor

This saree features a distinctive peacock motif woven within a circular design on the pallu.

2. Munia

Known for prominent parrot motifs typically vibrant green.

3. Asawali

Here the saree showcases a creeper design with floral and vine patterns

4. Kadiyal

The saree is distinguished by a border woven in a different color than the body of the saree creating a striking contrast.

5. Maharani

These are elaborate motifs inspired by Indian mythology and art with a non-identical pallu.

6. Brocade Paithani Saree

This saree is characterized by heavily woven borders and pallus with delicate brocade designs

7. Pure Paithani

This saree is made from silk and zari representing the most authentic form of the Paithani saree.

8. Kota Paithani

This saree is a unique blend of Paithani and Kota Dhoria fabrics creating a lightweight and breathable saree.

9. Gadwal Paithani

This saree combines Paithani and Gadwal techniques for bold geometric patterns.

How To Recognize An Original Paithani Saree?

A Paithani saree is unmatched in its elegance and royalty- a timeless treasure of Maharashtrian heritage. An original Paithani is not just a piece of clothing, it’s a legacy passed down generations. But with the use of machine -made imitations available in the market, buyers struggle to recognize original Paithani saree. So, today’s blog is a guide to help you pick and choose an authentic piece of art, not just fabric.

A few tips to a buyer’s authenticity guide:

Check the weaving technique:

One of the signs of an original Paithani is the weaving style, Check the reverse side of the saree. If the motif appears clearly on both sides with no threads hanging loose, it is a handwoven genuine piece. Imitations will have some embroidery or patchwork that appears on one side.

Feel the fabric

Mulberry silk is used to make Paithani sarees generally. They are heavier than their synthetic counterparts- the fabric feels luxurious, soft and rich, not slippery or rough.

Examine the zari work

Zariwork in the original Paithani saree is one of the most defining features of its authenticity. Original pieces use pure silver Zari dipped in gold. Imitations use plastic or cheap metallic threads. Real zari will not flake easily and retain its shine for years. It may tarnish slightly over time which is normal. It feels soft not scratchy and is heavier than synthetic zari.

Look for signature motifs

Traditional Paithani motifs are hand woven and not printed or embroidered. Let’s look at some of them below-

• Peacock on the pallu
• Lotus, mango and flower vines
• Asawali (flower creeper) Bangadi Mor (Bangle shaped peacock)

If the motif appears too perfect or identical, it is most likely to be machine-made and not hand-woven.

Examine the pallu and the border

In a real Paithani, the pallu is elaborate often having motifs in vibrant zari. The border and the pallu designs are woven simultaneously into the fabric and not attached later. So, if there are stitching lines or glue marks near the pallu or border then you are looking at an imitation.

Price tells a story

If someone offers you a Paithani saree at Rs 2000 -3000, think twice and be cautious. Genuine Paithani sarees start around Rs 15000 and can go up to lakhs depending upon the complexity and intricacy. The price reflects the man hours, the silk quality, and the Zari used.

Feel the texture and weight

The use of Mulberry Silk makes the fabric smooth, soft and glossy to touch. The Zari work adds a rich weight to the pallu and borders giving it a luxurious drape. Unlike the synthetic variants that feel stiff and course, the original Paithani is pleatable and flowy. The saree drapes beautifully and stays in place.

Buy from trusted or reputed sources

To avoid imitations, buy from certified handloom showrooms, government -backed handloom stores and renowned sellers with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews. In cities like Yeola, Pune and Paithan where these sarees are traditionally made true artisans selling their ware are often found.

Final Words on Durability and Care

Let’s look at some quick tips on how to make your prized Paithani saree last for a very long time below-

• Pure Zari in Paithani can last generations if stored properly.
• Needs dry cleaning only. Should be wrapped in muslin cloth away from moisture and direct sunlight

Owning a Paithani is preserving a legacy. It is more than a garment- it’s a cultural treasure and a timeless investment in tradition. For buying elegant Paithani sarees or vibrant ghagras for any festive occasion, WhatsApp S4Elegant at +91-9766121179.