A Paithani saree is not just a garment; it is a poem woven in silk and gold. Known as the "Queen of Silks," this Maharashtrian masterpiece has captivated hearts for over 2,000 years. For a beginner, entering the world of handloom can be daunting, especially when shopping for a traditional paithani saree online.
At Umay Benaras, while we specialize in the weaves of Varanasi, we deeply respect the pan-Indian heritage of handloom. This guide is designed to help you navigate the intricate patterns and rich history of the Paithani, ensuring you make an informed choice for your next heirloom purchase.
What is a Paithani Saree?
The paithani saree is from the town of Paithan, in Aurangabad, and has a lot of gold and a special method of weaving where the design looks the same on both sides. While in other sarees the design is embroidered, in Paithani sarees, the design is woven into the fabric in a tapestry style.
A distinctive feature of the Paithani is that it is made of pure silk and natural silver or gold zari. The material is heavy and the colours are obtained from natural dyes, which is why they are so rich and will last for centuries.
Marks of a Traditional Paithani Saree
To appreciate the saree, we must focus on its individual features:
-
The Slanting Square Border: Paithanis usually have a thick border of slanting squares, called the Narali (coconut) border.
-
The Peacock Motif: The Mor (peacock) is the most iconic design. It is generally found in the pallu, in bold colours such as green, red and orange.
-
Other Motifs: Keep an eye out for Bangadi Mor (four peacocks in a bangle shape), Muniyat (parrots), and Asavali (vines and flowers).
-
Plain Body: It is common for the body of the saree to be plain or to have minute butis, so that the embellished pallu shines.
The Green Paithani Saree: Appealing to the Eye
The green paithani saree is a revered garment in Maharashtrian culture. It is the saree of choice for brides and it is believed to bring fertility and good luck.
A "Pophal" or "Parrot Green" Paithani is a great choice, paired with a contrasting red/purple border. When purchasing a green paithani saree, keep an eye out for the double-toned effect (called Dhoop-Chhaon) that is created by the use of different colours for the warp and weft threads. This adds to the sheen and iridescence of the saree.
Tips for Buying Paithani Saree Online
Online shopping has made exclusive handlooms more easily accessible, but it has also opened up opportunities to purchase "semi-paithanis" (machine-made paithani imitations). Here is how to shop safely:
1. Tell a Handloom from a Powerloom
In a handloom paithani, the back of the pallu and border will be as clean as the front. If you find unknots, tangled threads or "spider web" of strings, it is a machine-made imitation. And ask for photos of the back of the saree.
2. Check for the Silk Mark
Many dealers, such as those at umaybenaras.in, display a "Silk Mark". This is government certified 100% natural silk fabric.
3. Check for Customization
Handloom is time-consuming, it takes 1 month to a year to make a saree. If the website claims to have 500 exact matches in stock and ready for delivery, they are most likely powerloom. Real art is rare.
Understanding the Paithani Saree Price
The most common question that new customers ask is about the paithani saree price. These are handwoven, pure and expensive.
-
Pure Silk & Tested Zari: These may start from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000.
-
Pure Silk & Real Zari: Paithani with real gold/silver zari, ranges between ₹50,000 to even more than ₹2,00,000 depending on the intricacy of the pallu.
-
The Human Factor: One weaver works 8-10 hours a day for weeks to complete a saree. The price is for this human labour.
The Paithani is more than a fashion statement; it is a piece of Indian history draped around your shoulders. Whether you are choosing a green paithani saree for a wedding or a minimalist traditional paithani saree for a gala, ensure you are buying from a source that values the artisan. At Umay Benaras, we celebrate these stories of thread and needle, helping you build a wardrobe that speaks of culture and class.
FAQ
1. What is a Paithani saree?
A Paithani saree is a hand-woven silk saree from Maharashtra, India. It is famous for its tapestry-weaving technique, where motifs (like peacocks and flowers) are woven into the fabric to look identical on both sides.
2. Why is Paithani saree famous?
It is famous for its rich history as "The Queen of Silks," its vibrant colors, and its intricate gold zari borders. It has been a symbol of royalty and auspiciousness in Indian culture for centuries.
3. How to buy Paithani saree online safely?
To buy safely, choose sellers who offer Silk Mark certification, check for "reverse side" photos to ensure handloom quality, and read customer reviews. Avoid "too good to be true" prices, as authentic Paithanis are high-value luxury items.
4. What is the price of a Paithani saree?
The paithani saree price varies based on the zari and handiwork. A basic handloom Paithani starts around ₹10,000, while a heavy bridal masterpiece with pure zari can go up to ₹2,50,000 or more.