Jacquard work

Jacquard Work

The namesake of its inventor, Joseph Marie Jacquard, the technique was introduced in India in 19^th century by the British rulers of the time. The versatility of this weaving process, where each warp thread can be raised independent of the others allows for the creation of complex designs that are beautifully applied on saris, adding to the richness of their texture.

In North India, jacquard work is predominantly carried out in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and near Delhi, whereas Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the main centres of such weaving in South India. The influences of generations of culture and tradition are visible in saris produced in these regions. The heavily worked Kanjiwaram sari, when compared to the relatively lighter Coimbatore silk sari illustrates this beautifully. These saris are perfect to wear on auspicious occasions- weddings and festivals for instance.