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Land Of Hand-Woven Fabrics - Andhra
Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh has an age-old tradition of
hand-woven fabrics. Sarees of the most exquisite, unique and generic
designs are found in Andhra Pradesh. Silk and cotton saris come from the
looms of Pochampalli, Venkatagiri, Gadwal, Narayanpet and Dharmavaram, and
are household names throughout India. They are named after the place of
their origin. Each of these weaving styles is distinct producing a unique
variety of fabric, known for their fine cotton and elaborate pallu's and
beautiful borders with ornate gold thread work.
Pochampalli:
The Pochampalli textiles are made using the tie and dye technique of
yarn. Different coloured yarns are woven into geometrical designs. Dress
materials, sarees and home-furnishings are also made in these designs.
Pochampalli sarees and dress materials are available in both cotton and
silk.
Gadwal: Gadwal is one of the centers where typical, traditional
Andhra saris are made, that are unusually different. The Sari body is
cotton while the border and pallu are in silk. The cotton and silk fabrics
are woven separately and then attached together. Rich traditional designs
adorn the pallu and the border. The mango motif is usually used in the
designs. Yellow, parrot- green, pink and beige are the colours used most
often.
Kothakota: Kothakota saris are similar to the Gadwal saris, with
silk borders and rich pallu's with very innovative zari designs. The
borders come in rich colours contrasting the body colour.
Narayanpet: Narayanpet saris, available in both cotton and silk
are woven in dark earthy colours and are particularly eye-catching. The
pallu in these saris is characterised by a unique pattern of alternating
red and white bands. The border is usually a flat expanse of deep maroon
red or chocolate red thinly separated by white or coloured lines. These
saris follow the Irkal style, which has its roots in a place called Irkal
in the state of Karnataka
.
Venkatagiri: The Venkatagiri saris have graceful strains of gold
all over. These sarees are available in cotton and silk, with pure silver
zari and brocade designs in the border. The bright Venkatagiri saris have
pleasant colours with golden dots, leaves, parrots or simple geometrical
designs.
Dharmavaram: These saris have simple, plain borders without much
contrast. The borders are usually broad with brocaded gold patterns or
'butta'. The pallu has exclusive designs. Of late, these saris are being
woven with "tussar" silk also.
Other Famous Saris Of Andhra Pradesh
Bandarlanka handloom saris made of pure cotton with simple zari borders
are available in a variety of designs in Bandarlanka in East Godavari
district. Siddipet and Armoor also produce cotton saris in unique and rich
designs. Patur saris, with rich designs in the pallu and border made with
tested zari are available in pure cotton, cotton-silk and polyester. Use
of mercerized cotton is popular with Patur saris.
Srikakulam saris are simple
with no borders.
Cotton
saris from Uppada, the Mangalgiri saris with unique borders, saris with
Amaravathi Jackards (designs from the temple architecture) on the pallu
and borders, Madhavaram saris from Cuddapah
are also very popular.
WHERE TO SHOP
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