The Legacy Of Banarasi Motifs And Patterns

As we all believe, each saree has its own unique story to tell, and the motifs are the storytellers. When you touch a saree with its vibrant hues, you see and feel the motifs and patterns of that saree. Whether it's floral motifs or birds, some human figures, or a replica of some architecture, it tells you about the tale of the craft and the history of the weaving gharanas. 

From the time humans used to live in caves, we have adapted storytelling through crafts. Through their artistry, the weaver can reach millions of people and showcase the culture and beauty around them. Each and every motif comes to life with the vision and inspirations from around. Temples, Caves, architectures, and sculptures are prime examples of inspiring inspirations. 

In this blog, we are going to look at some amazing Banarasi motifs and patterns. We all know Banarasi sarees are one of the most celebrated sarees in the world. From grandeur weddings to little functions each occasion is incomplete without women's dazzling Banarasi sarees. One of the major reasons why Banarasi sarees are so famous is in their motifs. Banaras don't have motifs of their own, every Banarasi motif has completed its journey before landing in Banarasi weaving style, with the rich gold and silver zari work, these motifs look absolutely outstanding and amazing. Truly the Mughal era completely evolves the Banarasi weaving industry. The mixture of Indian and Mughal weaving styles has led Banarasi Sarees to the pinnacle of the sarees. And now we are going to unfold a few of our Singanias exclusive Banarasi sarees, showcasing to you some exceptional Motifs and patterns.

 

Paisley/ Buto motif

A symbol of fertility. 

The paisley design is rich in spiritual and symbolic meaning. In India, the paisley signifies the time of harvest, a time of both socio-economic and spiritual significance. The Paisley motif was made for the King of India for royal purposes like crowns or court garments. Besides Kashmiri shawls, the paisley motif traditionally is widely used in beautiful Kanchipuram saree, Buttidar Baluchari saree of West Bengal, Dhakai Jamdanis, and Banarasi sarees.

The fun fact of the patterns and motifs is that they are simultaneously evolving and traveling designs across the world, giving birth to too many stories. We found one such story about Paisley. The tribes in Gujarat have been using the shape of paisley outside their houses for generations. It was a rough outline of shape stamped by the side of the human fist. They believed it to be the symbol of fertility and so decorated the houses by stamping these on walls praying for the generations to come.

This yellow Banarasi saree is embellished with the auspicious paisley motifs and floral design across the saree. The border and pallu of this saree is filled with diamond-cut pattern artistry. In Singhanias, we have one of its kind Banarasi sarees.

 

 Floral Jaal motifs

In Indian culture, flowers hold a very auspicious place, and we celebrate them for their symbolic values. Every occasion whether it's a divine ritual or celebratory event, it feels incomplete without flowers being around. Floral motifs give a familiarity of happiness to people and adorned the weavers. 

The most loved and cherished motif in Banarasi weaving is the floral jaal design. For decades, the floral and leafy patterns have ruled over millions of hearts across the world. The introduction of florals in woven Banarasi sarees is supposed to go back to the 17th century when silk weavers from Gujarat resettled to the region, post a famine in 1603. But the real blooming for floral motifs happened in the Mughal era. We all know Mughal weaving has a huge impact on the Banarasi weaving industry. The Mughal monarchs were known to be great admirers of nature and flowers; we can see it reflected in the Mughal architecture and sculpture.  

The floral patterns in the jaal design embody love, fertility, joy, good luck, and success. The intricately woven floral motifs characterize refinement, thoughtfulness, and mature charm, and it gives a fresh essence to the person draping it

This deep wine Banarasi saree is ornamented with an astonishing floral jaal pattern. The border and the pallu of this saree are unleashing the charm of gold zari artistry. This Banarasi beauty is in the elite class of the Banarsi sarees. 

 

Mangaai/ Mankolamaam / Kaccha mango motif

The auspicious mango is one of the most important fruits, and even Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga were fighting to eat the fruit. It plays a prominent place in Indian mythology. Famous Kings of India like Mughal Emperor Jahangir and King Akbar have patronized arts, and have used the mango motif in their palaces, jewels, and in their dresses. The design became highly popular, and it became one of the widely used designs in saree weaving.

As a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and richness, the mango motif has conquered its place in the Banarasi weaving industry. The unique thing about the kacha mango motif is in most of the banarsi sarees it's woven with the Kadwa technique, where each motif is woven separately with so much precision and intricacy.

This beautiful Banarasi saree is woven with the Tanchoi weaving technique. This method of saree-making involves a single or double warp along with two to five different colored thread weaving. It gives a very intricate yet very elegant feel to the motifs. The entire saree is adorned with paisley motifs. The border and pallu of this Banarasi beauty carry meenakari work in the paisley motifs, giving it a soothing essence. 

 

Bel Buti Motifs

The creeping vine motif (Bel ) originated in Persia, and along the journey, Mughals adopted it as it fitted in the flourishing Mughlai style. Its thin leafy curvy stems laden with flowers, buds, and fruits have inspired weavers to create incredible patterns. Purely artistic by nature, Buti is a floral motif found in sarees. There may be a small buti and a large butta depicted as flowers. The smaller buti are usually woven in repeated rows across the saree, while the butta is woven in rows along with the end piece. The term butta or buti is Persian by origin but has symbolic value for Hindus and is used widely in Banarasi sarees.In the Banarasi weaving, Bel butta motifs are acknowledged as one of the most traditional and classic patterns. With stunning bel butta motifs, Banarasi weavers create geometrical patterns across the saree, and the use of multi hues gives the bel butta patterns a new gaze. 

In this mesmerizing Banarasi saree, the bel buttis are inspired by western architecture. The Meenakari work of multi hues embellishes this ditsy floral buttas with a majestic look. The gold zari bel pattern grants this Banarasi beauty a royal essence. The border of this saree is woven with intricate gold zari floral and creeper work, and the grand pallu carries lustrous gold zari artistry.

 

Floral Butta Motifs

Artistically floral Butta Motifs is one of the oldest and much-appreciated designs. Butta motifs will be intrinsically placed across the saree, and you have a stunning and eye-catching creation. The buttas can be woven with golden or silver zari or colorful threads that offer a contrast to the base of the saree. 

As we all know Mughal era created a big impact on Banarasi saree weaving when Islam did not encourage the use of human and animal figures in weaving, which led to inherent favoritism towards floral buttis, creepers, and trellis amongst the predominant Muslim weaving communities, the floral butta motifs thrived and still remain as one of the most renowned Banarasi motifs.

This Ravishing red Banarasi saree is an exceptional illustration of a traditional Banarasi saree. Ornamented with floral Butta Motifs, the saree feels like a mystical charm. The border and pallu are adorned with lustrous gold zari artistry.

 

Fusion of crafts

The age Banarasi sarees comes in a lot of varieties, the fusion of two more crafts can create some undefinable majestic sarees. In Singhania's, we offer multiple shades of Banarasi sarees, Banarasi with Paithani borders, Printed Banarasi sarees, Banarasi sarees with different craft motifs, Banarasi sarees in silk, tussar, georgette , and a lot more. With us witness the amalgamation of eminent crafts. It's not just a combination of diverse weaving styles, it's a Sangam of monarchical Gharanas. This glorious union of sacred traditions will bestowal you with a fascinated marvy essence.

With this Banarasi queen, we are giving you the resemblance of Kashi in a 6-yard beauty. An exquisite green Banarasi saree,  This Banarasi silk beauty illustrates the rise of new legacy and royalty of patola. The luminous motifs of this Banarasi beauty are inspired by the royal patolas. The meenakari floral patterns across the saree honor the Phulwadi motif of the patola saree. The intricately woven border and pallu of this saree is redefining the beauty of the classic Banarasi saree.

 

The new age contemporary motifs

A handwoven Banarasi saree embodies ethnic values and traditions. The legacy of this immortal beauty has proven that true artistry never dies. It evolves with time and lives forever. The new contemporary motifs and patterns are prime illustrations of that. 

Our Banarasi weavers are adopting the new weaving patterns and motifs, with modern colors and fashion trends, and coming out with new generational yet classic and elegant styles and patterns for our dearest Banarasi queen. But as our motto, we will never leave the authenticity and connection to the Banarasi roots. The knowledge and wisdom passed from generation to generation will keep the Banarasi authenticity alive. The patterns and weaves have changed, but the age-old weaving techniques are still the same. In our beloved Singhanias, we have introduced new motifs like a bird, french rose motifs, fusion of two crafts, and motifs inspired by western cultures, but we adapt these trends in our own Banarasi style.

This mesmerizing beige Banarasi queen is adorned with loving bulbul bird motifs. Woven in Kadwa weaving technique makes these talky-talky bird motifs more charismatic. Intricately woven border and pallu of this saree carries a meenakari work of peacock motifs, giving it a majestic gaze so you can dazzle any occasion.

 

Singhania's is the household name for authentic handloom Banarasi sarees. We handpick each and every saree according to the occasion and requirements of our clients. We strongly believe in our ideology that, more than perfection, happiness is important. A happy woman looks perfect in every saree she drapes. We make sure you will feel happy while purchasing with us and with each and every saree you purchase from us, you are enriching a weaver in Banaras.