Redefining the World of Ethnic Wear since 1995
The year 1995, is so special and notable when our founder, Mr. Mahendra Peshwani opened up Saree Sansar – a store that redefined the world of ethnic wear. Remarkably, even though the store is about 25 years old now, Mr. Peshwani has been in this industry with the objective of upholding traditions of Banarasi Saree since over four decades. Eventually, he launched Saree Sansar, a brand that was essentially conceived by a dream to offer exquisite contemporary and traditional sarees, suits and dupattas at Dashaswamed Ghat Road, in the heart of the holy city, Banaras.
The Brand
Saree sansar is a brand best-known across the country for exclusive Banarasi products because of featuring a wide range of handwoven silk sarees and authentic Banarasi sarees collected by the original Ansaris or the Muslim weavers. However, what makes the brand different is that we offer genuine products from all major states of India that have imprints of the regions they belong to, so as to cater to needs of all diverse traditions and cultures. Our goal therefore is to bring back to life the rich and evergreen weaving industry of India by empowering people from all around the world in regard to living with their respective traditions.
SAREE WEAVING AS AN ART
A layman synonym to brocade and zari, Banarasi textile started way back in the 17th century and developed in excellence during the 18th and 19th century. During the Mughal period, weaving of brocades and intricate designs using gold and silver threads became the specialty of Banaras. The glorification of this art of weaving was the beginning of the saree weaving art.
In the earlier times, silk was imported from China. Today Banarasi saree production is done in Cottage industries with foot powered looms. About 1.2 million people are associated directly or indirectly with the handloom silk industry of the region around Banaras- Gorakhpur, Chandauli, Bhadohi, Jaunpur and Azamgarh districts.
Characteristics of a Banarasi Saree and its Inspiration
The Characteristics that make Banarasi sarees special are intertwined floral and foliage motifs, kanga and bel, a string of upright leaves called jhallar at the edge of sarees, figures with small details and gotta pati work, heavy working of gold with compact weaving and metal visual effects.
Depending on the intricacy of its designs & patterns, a typical Banarasi saree can take from fifteen days to a month or even six months developed by the Ansaris. “Ansari” or “the helper” in Arabic is the Muslim weaver community. For generations, they have passed on their craft from father to son. The continuation of passing down the culture of artistry of Banarasi sarees from one generation to another, enthusiastically, never stopped.
Evolution of Silk Industries and Weaver Associations of India
In 2009, Weaver Association & Cooperatives of India together secured Geographical Indication (GI) Rights for Banaras brocades and sarees. This silk is used in large part of their production purposes only.
The evolution & glorification of the art of weaving and silk industry can be best understood by witnessing the varieties of silks namely Tussar, Mulberry, Muga & Eri based on the feeding habit of the cocoons. The “Sericulture” or “rearing of the silk worm” involves rearing of mulberry plants, silk worms and finally post cocoon processes such as twisting, dyeing, weaving, printing, finishing,etc. As a matter of fact, the Indian silk Industry is the 2nd largest producer of silk contributing to about 18% of the world silk production.
