Uppada Silk Sarees from AP

Uppada Silk Saris

Uppada silk saris are named after the town where they were first woven, Uppada in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Made of pure silk and almost translucent, they are valued for their lightness and the softness of texture. These saris are made by hand, using the Jamdhani method. They very nearly went extinct in the 19^th century in the wake of the industrial revolution. Since their revival in the 20^th century, they have garnered global appeal- with exhibitions in silk emporiums across the world.

 Because the techniques used in weaving Uppada saris are completely non mechanical, it often takes two weavers working on a single loom two whole months to create a single Uppada silk sari. Weavers of this silk belong almost exclusively to the Padmasali tribe. Distinctive in their use of bold patterns against light colours, these saris may be worn on formal occasions and as day wear.