Dharmavaram Sarees

Background

Dharmavaram, 395 km south of Hyderabad, is a small town of rich handloom cluster is situated in the District of Anantapur of Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh. In the year 1153-54 AD, a person named “KriyashakthiVodavaru Swamy” had got a village constructed on the banks of Chitravathi River. To commemorate his mother Dharmamba, he named the village after her as Dharmavaram. Evidence of origin of Dharmavaram sarees can also be found in the roof wall paintings of Lepakshi temple near Hindupur.

Raw Material

Mulbery filature silk yarns are used in warp and charkha silk in weft with gold tested zari (half fine zari as called locally) for extra warp and extra weft designing. Sometimes, purizari is also used for designing.

Technique applied

Pit loom and frame looms fitted with two jacquards are used for weaving these sarees. One jacquard is used for weaving border design and the other is used for weaving designs in the body and pallu. More than two jacquards are also used for elaborate designing.

How to distinguish genuine Dharmavaram Sarees

• The saree has a rich luster due to use of gold zari extensively and its resplendence and grandeur make Dharmavaram saree stand out.
• Dharmavaram Saree has richly woven motifs of flora and fauna and designs inspired by the temple murals and paintings of the famed Lepakshi temple in Hindupur, Anantapur district.
• The use of gold, silver, green and red zari adds to the magnificence of the saree making it very appropriate for use in grand occasions.

Source : Indian Handloom Brand