Journey of Saree Through Its History and Evolution

Saree

Sarees are more than just a 6-yard to 9-yard fabric piece; they have been an integral part of our culture since around 2800 BC, during the Indus Valley Civilization. For an Indian woman, a saree is not merely attire or clothing, but it serves as an extension of her personality. The garment has captivated the world with its elegance, grace, and timeless appeal and symbolizes India’s rich cultural heritage.

Saree in Ancient time

The ancient name of the sari was Chadar or Sari. It was a simple cloth piece draped around the body, but the style depended on the region and cultural traditions. In north India, the saree is draped with a fitted bodice and a loose skirt, while in the south, women drape the saree over the head and shoulder. 

One of Hinduism’s sacred texts, the Rigveda, dates back to 1500 BC and mentions the saree. In the Rigveda, the saree is a garment draped over the body and held in place by a belt. However, the saree’s origin is believed to be the Indus Valley civilization, where both men and women wore it.

During the Maurya and Gupta periods ( 3rd century BC – 6th century AD), the saree for women was simple; however, it got to take on a refined appearance. In the Mughal era (16th-19th century), the sari was embellished with embroidery, gold, and silver threads for the first time. The style of wearing the sari also changed, with pleats at the front instead of the back and new styles of the sari, such as the chiffon and the sharara. Mughals introduced new embroidery and embellishment techniques such as Zardozi and kamdani to create beautiful designs on the saree.

In ancient times, the saree was worn by royalty and commoners, as an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe.

Saree during British Times

The Saree continued to transform and evolve during the British era, introducing new fabrics, such as cotton and silk. Cotton and silk are more suitable for India’s hot and humid climate. The Introduction of the saree blouse added structure and formality to the garment. The  Nivi Drape, Characterized by pleats at the back instead of the front, became popular during this time. The drape is still popular and widely used today.

Modern Era Saree

In the Modern Era, the saree for women has continued to evolve and adapt to change as per the ongoing fashion trend. Transit has been noticed in the sari from a traditional garment to become a fashion statement. Designers experiment using different fabrics, colors, and styles to create modern and fashionable sarees. Today,  the Sari no longer remains an Indian garment, but it has gained popularity among non-Indian women who consider it a versatile and stylish piece of clothing.

Final Words

The saree for women has undergone significant evolution and transformation from a simple piece of clothing to culture, traditions, and values of the people-embodied garment. Moreover, it reflects the changing cultural and social norms of Indian Society while retaining its timeless appeal. Undoubtedly, the sari continues to evolve and remains an integral part of both Indian and world fashion.

FAQS

• How does the sari length vary from 6 yards to 9 Yards?

The saree length can vary from 6 yards to 9 yards based on several factors, including age, occasion, and climate.

• From where did the name ‘Sari’ originate?

The name ‘saree’ or ‘sari’ originated from the Sanskrit word ‘ Saadi,’ which means a strip of cloth.

• How did wearing a sari evolve from ancient times to modern times?

In the past, the style of wearing a sari varied depending on the region and cultural traditions. Today, however, women can choose the style that suits their body type and the current fashion trends. This has given birth to a variety of ways of wearing/draping a sari.

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