Paithani, originally known as "Pratishthani," came from the ancient city of Pratishthan, which is now called Paithan. This fabric also appears in numerous ancient Hindu and Buddhist texts. It's often referred to as "Dev Vastra," meaning fabric of the Gods. With a history spanning 2500 years, Paithani holds a significant cultural legacy, yet many remain unaware of its rich heritage.
Paithani is a type of traditional Indian women's garment, called a sari. "Paithani" name gets from the town of Paithan, which is in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, India. In Paithan it was originally handcrafted. But Nowadays, the largest production of Paithani sarees happens in Yeola town, located in Nashik, Maharashtra.
The weaving process involves a labor-intensive technique passed down through generations, showcasing the artistry and skill of local artisans. Today, Paithani sarees remain highly prized for their timeless elegance and cultural heritage, representing the craftsmanship of Indian textiles.
During the Peshwa era, they used to make borders and the Padar (the end piece of a sari) with a mixture of pure gold and copper for added strength. The ratio was 1 kilogram of gold to 1 tola of copper. This blend was then spun into a fine wire known as zari. Nowadays, instead of gold and copper, zari is typically made with silver coated in gold plating.
The borders are crafted using a weaving technique called interlocked weft, using either colored silk threads or zari. In cases where zari is used, colored silk patterns are often added as supplementary weft inlays, usually in the form of flowers or vines.
There are two main types of borders: Narali and Pankhi.
Even if the main body of the sari is woven well, creating the intricate inlay borders requires the expertise of a master weaver. Regardless of the sari's color, the borders and the Padar are woven with zari.
FAQ :
Q. - Do paithani sarees come in different types ?
Ans. - Paithani sarees come in a wide range of types based on the fabric they're made of, including pure silk, silk blend, and artificial silk. You can also find varieties like Banarasi Silk, Cotton, Kanchipuram, Brocade, and satin silk.
Q. - Why do Paithani sarees cost so much ?
Ans. - Paithani sarees are crafted with detailed woven zari work, which takes a lot of time and resources. The effort put into making each saree explains why they are priced high. However, the end product is definitely worth it because Paithani sarees are elegant and suitable for any formal event.