I am a lover of art and fine artistry, of craftsmanship in general. I don’t know, but it has been my penchant ever since I was a child. And it was my good fortune, that I studied literature in college, before getting to work as a curator at one of my favourite art galleries. But then, I also knew that art and culture as we perceive it to be, is not just in creative work, but also in living and breathing symbols that have shaped our sensibilities and aesthetics over centuries. The saree for instance, carries a tale of not just fashion, but also stories of Indian creativity and cultural legacies for years past. And when it comes to my favourite Jamdani saree, there’s simply a whole new sub-culture waiting to be discovered!
I was not really into fine handlooms and Jamdani sarees in general; it was more of a utilitarian choice going by the comfort and design, or sometimes by the gorgeousness for special needs in life, such as weddings and other events. And yet, there was a day when an elegant woman walked into my gallery and told me- you look so beautiful in a saree. Why don’t you try Jamdani? I won’t reveal the name of the actress (yes, you read it right) who gave me this snippet that literally transformed how I look at fashion choices in general. She also went on to add- if only more young women like you buy these sarees, the ancient crafts and cultural traditions will survive. That set off a bell in my mind and I thought of doing some more research on them.
What I Learnt About Jamdani Sarees:
There was a saying I found, that no Jamdani saree price would be too good to be true (abysmally low that is!), going by its unmatched quality and texture. Living in Bengal, I was proud of the fact that these sarees originated in the region (undivided of course), with their roots being traced back by more than 2,000 years! In fact, what’s interesting is how they became a favourite of the aristocracy and ruling classes in the Mughal period. The cultural appeal of the saree derives from its exquisite signature craftsmanship, majorly based on a technique that enables geometric, floral, and other motifs on the finest muslin fabric.
However, there was a slight decline in the appeal of Jamdani sarees in later years, although the last few decades have seen a slow but steady revival. I was astonished to see how weavers and traditional craftsmen were doing their bit to revive the industry, even working on Jamdani sarees in Kolkata and the surrounding parts of Bengal at large. This whetted may appetite for more and here’s what I learnt about what makes these sarees truly special.
- Intricate weaving techniques
- Slow fashion for greater sustainability (every garment is made to order and takes time)
- Lengthy and painstaking process of weaving motifs and designs on looms by hand
- Stunning designs and signature lightweight and breathable material
- Exquisite borders, and floral or geometric patterns
- Precision and symmetry in the creative process and elegant color palettes
Why We All Need to Patronize Jamdani Sarees:
By now, I was hooked! The cultural heritage, legacies, elegance, sustainable fashion (no fast fashion models of mass-produced garments and higher wastage), and intricate production process were fascinating, to say the least. It all added up! The actress’ words kept ringing in my head- why don’t we younger women patronize Jamdani sarees? By doing so, we will not only add timeless sarees to our wardrobes and proudly flaunt Indian fashion on the global stage, but also contribute to the revival of the sector.
It will keep the artisan communities and traditional weavers alike, while highlighting the artistic prowess in our own Bengal. This is where I also did some research and found that a large chunk of modern women, to my great delight, were thinking on the same lines. However, there was the final obstacle- buying a Jamdani saree online from a reliable brand with seamless delivery and authenticity. That was solved with a recommendation from an aunt who simply loves wearing these sarees herself (I’m so happy I ran into her at a gathering and asked her about the beautiful Jamdani she was wearing). It started my love affair as I bought a few masterpieces from this Kolkata brand called Tamal Boutique. They worked directly with weavers, had excellent support, and the prices were fair. My experience has been no less than wonderful with them, and I have recommended them already to so many younger women in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal.
Buying Authentic Jamdani Sarees & Treasuring Them- Life Comes Full Circle:
Today, I’m not just the proud owner of quite a few Jamdani sarees, I’m also a passionate advocate of these sarees and other handlooms. I’ve spread the word among women who I believe, can make a difference simply by patronizing these sarees and keeping the art alive. Artisanal and cultural value never really fused in this manner, right as the way they do for these sarees. I’m so glad to have been put on a life-changing fashion journey, and today, they’re my go-to for major occasions and even the occasional dinner date or workplace event.
And yes, life did come full circle for me too. Upon finding out that the noted actress in question was to drop by for an exclusive exhibition at our gallery, I wore one of my favourite Jamdani sarees on the day. I noticed her coming in on the day and positioned myself right at the entrance to the gallery. She noticed me too suddenly and couldn’t help stating- See, how my advice has made you a diva now. I shyly smiled back and said- Thank you Mam!