Silk

      The Indian weaver, through his skill and imagination, turns the delicate fibres of pure silk into the most cherished possession of every woman. In India, Silk is the favoured fabric for all auspicious and social occasions like festivals, marriage, etc. Although silk weaving is believed to have its origin in China, nowhere has the art developed and flourished as rapidly as in India. Today, India is the home to an amazing range of silks with varying colour schemes, patterns and designs, typical to each region.

       Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Kancheepuram(Tamil Nadu) are the main silk weaving centres of India. The silks of these places have acquired the status of family heirlooms.

        Silk made in the south is famous for its superior quality and vibrant colour contrasts. Especially renowned is Kancheevaram - the silk of the temple town of Kancheepuram, woven in pure gold with exquisite border designs. The timeless stone carvings etched on the temple walls inspires its designs. Among other famous silk weaves of India are the intricate 'Kinkab' or brocade of Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), woven using gold and silver threads ; 'Tanchoi' of Surat (Gujarat) - a delicate variety of brocade work with designs comparable to the intricacy of miniature paintings ; 'Patola' of Patan (Gujarat) - a multi-hued weave with geometric patterns created by the subtle merging of vivid colours ; and 'Baluchari' - the pure silk sarees of Murshidabad (West Bengal), which is embellished with mangoes in the centre and bordered by designs that depict folk tales, the stylised peacock, etc.

Special Shopping Destinations:
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) and Kancheepuram (Tamil Nadu)