Baluchari

The silk tradition of Baluchari, which involves the use of human brocade figures that adorn the borders and pallu is noted for its intricate designs. Sari is the traditional wear of women in India. Many types of Sari’s are popular in India categorized on the basis of their fabric, designs, embroidery etc. Some of the common varieties are Kanchivaram, Ikkat, Banarasi, Tanth, Pochampalli, Katki silk, Chanderi, Baluchari, Garwal silk etc.

A type of silk weaving called Baluchari silk evolved where artisans could weave exquisite stories from Indian mythology in silk. This art has recently been revived, with the help of the central government and some French made Jacquard type looms. Unfortunately, there were some children working the looms when I was there and when I asked them why they were not in school, they disappeared. One of the special characteristics of Baluchari is that the designs on the saris depict stories from Indian mythology.

Various mythological characters like Ram, Sita, Radha, and Krishna are intricately portrayed on it. Baluchari is woven with two varieties of silk threads one from Bangalore and the other from West Bengal. One of the silk types is set vertically and the other is set horizontally in the special looms. To make a single sari it takes a lot of effort for the artisans. Before fixing the threads on the loom the silk threads are washed in boiling water. On the next day it is colored by dipping in hot colors. Then the threads are rolled on the spinning wheels. After toiling for nearly five to six months we get those beautiful exquisite Baluchari saris.