Chanderi weaving history
Chanderi weaving, originating in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, has a rich history dating back to the 2nd century BCE, with significant development during the 7th century under the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty. The craft flourished under royal patronage, particularly during the Mughal era (16th-18th centuries), when Chanderi became a prominent textile center known for its fine muslin and gold-threaded fabrics. Mughal emperors, including Akbar, favored Chanderi textiles for their sheer quality and intricate designs, often featuring zari work and motifs inspired by nature, architecture, and Persian art.
The weaving technique traditionally involves hand-spun cotton, silk, or cotton-silk blends, creating lightweight, translucent sarees and fabrics. Artisans, primarily from the Muslim weaver community, used pit looms and later frame looms to produce delicate textiles with a glossy finish. By the 19th century, Chanderi sarees gained prominence for their affordability and elegance, blending Indian and Islamic aesthetics.
Despite challenges from industrialization and British colonial policies in the 19th-20th centuries, which disrupted traditional markets, Chanderi weaving was revived post-independence through government initiatives and cooperatives. Today, it remains a celebrated craft, with Geographical Indication (GI) status since 2005, preserving its heritage while adapting to modern designs. The art form continues to thrive, employing thousands of artisans and maintaining its reputation for exquisite handwoven sarees and fabrics.
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