Kora silk saree is a traditional Indian saree made from pure silk fabric. The saree is woven using a special technique that involves twisting and interweaving fine silk threads to create a lightweight and airy fabric.
In this article, we will delve into the world of Kora silk sarees, their origin, weaving techniques, design patterns, and the reasons why they are a must-have in every Indian woman’s wardrobe.
ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF KORA SILK SAREES
The Kora silk saree is a traditional Indian saree that originated in the state of West Bengal in India. The word ‘Kora’ in Bengali means ‘raw’ or ‘unprocessed.’
These sarees are made using unprocessed silk, which gives them a unique texture and makes them stand out from other types of silk sarees.
The history of Kora silk sarees dates back to the Mughal era when the Mughal emperors used to patronize silk weavers and encourage them to create exquisite fabrics.
During this time, the weaving of silk fabrics reached new heights, and many different types of silk sarees were created, including the Kora silk saree.
The Mughals were known for their love of luxury, and they commissioned silk weavers to create the most intricate and delicate fabrics for their royal wardrobe.
The silk weavers used their skill and expertise to create exquisite designs, which were inspired by nature and were woven into the sarees using the traditional ‘jamdani’ weaving technique.
Over time, the craft of weaving Kora silk sarees has evolved, and today, they are one of the most sought-after sarees in India. Kora silk sarees are still handwoven by skilled weavers who have learned the craft from their ancestors.
The weaving process of Kora silk sarees is time-consuming and requires skill and precision. It can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to weave a single saree, depending on the complexity of the design.
WEAVING OF KORA SILK SAREES
Kora silk sarees are woven using the traditional ‘jamdani’ weaving technique. Jamdani is a handloom weaving technique that involves creating intricate designs on the saree using cotton or silk thread.
The designs are woven into the fabric, which gives the saree a delicate and unique texture. The production process of Kora silk saree involves several steps and requires skilled craftsmanship.
- Selection of silk: The first step in the production of Kora silk saree is the selection of silk. The silk used to create Kora silk sarees is unprocessed and is typically sourced from Mulberry silkworms. The silk fibers are carefully selected based on their quality and texture.
- Dyeing: The silk fibers are then dyed in a variety of colors using natural dyes. The colors used are often inspired by nature and are derived from plants, flowers, and vegetables.
- Weaving: The silk fibers are then woven using the jamdani weaving technique. This involves creating intricate designs by weaving the threads into the fabric, without the use of any additional threads or embroidery.
- Washing and finishing: Once the weaving is complete, the fabric is washed and finished to enhance its texture and sheen. This involves soaking the fabric in water, drying it in the sun, and then ironing it to give it a smooth finish.
- Embellishment: Some Kora silk sarees are embellished with zari work, embroidery, and beadwork. These embellishments are added by skilled artisans and are often inspired by traditional designs and motifs.
- Final finishing: The saree is then trimmed and hemmed to give it a finished look. The final product is an elegant Kora silk saree.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF KORA SILK SAREE
The Kora silk saree is a type of silk saree that is indigenous to the Indian state of West Bengal. It is highly prized for its exquisite beauty, intricate designs, and soft, lightweight texture.
The cultural significance of the Kora silk saree lies in its historical and social importance, as it has been an integral part of Bengali culture for centuries.
The saree is often worn by women during special occasions such as weddings, religious festivals, and cultural events, and is considered a symbol of Bengali identity and tradition.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Kora silk saree also has a deeper cultural significance in Bengali society. It is often given as a gift to brides during their weddings, as a symbol of their new role as a wife and daughter-in-law.
The saree is also a symbol of the strong bonds of friendship and sisterhood among women, as it is often exchanged as a token of affection between close friends and family members.
POPULAR DESIGNS, MOTIFS, AND COLORS OF KORA SILK SAREE
Floral, paisley, and geometric designs are popular in Kora silk sarees. Traditional designs such as temple borders and buti patterns are also prevalent.
Contemporary designs that incorporate abstract and modern motifs are gaining popularity as well. Peacock, lotus, mango, and elephant motifs are commonly found in Kora silk sarees.
These motifs represent different aspects of Indian culture and are considered auspicious.
Kora silk sarees are available in a wide range of colors. The most popular colors are red, green, blue, yellow, and pink.
These colors are often combined with gold and silver zari threads to create a rich and luxurious look. Each region of India has its own unique style of Kora silk saree.
For example, the Banarasi Kora silk saree is known for its intricate zari work, while the Mysore Kora silk saree is known for its soft texture and subtle designs.
SPECIALITY OF KORA SILK SAREE
Kora silk sarees are known for their unique texture and delicate appearance. The unprocessed silk used to create these sarees has a natural sheen and a slightly rough texture, which gives them a distinctive look and feel.
The texture of Kora silk sarees is quite different from other types of silk sarees, such as Tussar silk or Mulberry silk, which are smoother and more lustrous.
One of the most striking features of Kora silk sarees is the intricate designs woven into the fabric. The designs are often inspired by nature, such as flowers, leaves, and vines, and are woven with great care and precision.
Kora silk sarees are also prized for their durability and longevity. The unprocessed silk used to create these sarees is thicker and stronger than other types of silk, making them less prone to tearing or damage.
MAINTENANCE
Kora silk sarees should always be dry cleaned, as washing them at home can damage the delicate fabric and intricate designs. It should be ironed on a low heat setting or with a pressing cloth to avoid damaging the delicate fabric.
It is also recommended to iron the saree on the reverse side to prevent any damage to the designs.
This saree should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause the colors to fade over time.
It should be kept away from water and any kind of chemicals, such as perfumes or hair sprays, as they can damage the delicate fabric and designs and should be handled with care to avoid tearing or damaging the delicate fabric or intricate design.
It is best to avoid wearing heavy jewelry or accessories that can snag the saree.
HOW TO DISTINGUISH A KORA SILK SAREE
- Texture: Kora silk sarees have a slightly rough texture compared to other silk sarees.
- Weight: Kora silk sarees are slightly heavier than other silk sarees. The weight can vary depending on the level of embellishment and embroidery.
- Transparency: When held up to the light, a Kora silk saree should be slightly transparent, which adds to its unique beauty.
- Origin: Kora silk sarees are traditionally made in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India. If the saree has been sourced from this region, it is likely to be an authentic Kora silk saree.
OCCASION PREFERENCE
Kora silk sarees are an all-time favorite of Indian women and are highly preferred for their exquisite beauty and elegance. They are suitable for various occasions, including weddings, religious ceremonies, formal events, and social gatherings.
Kora silk sarees with zari work and embellishments such as embroidery, beadwork, and stonework are perfect for weddings. Tissue Kora silk sarees with metallic threads are also a popular choice for brides.
For festivals, Kora silk sarees in bright colors with traditional designs and patterns are favored. Kora silk cotton sarees, on the other hand, are perfect for casual occasions and daily wear.
They are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for summer. In essence, the occasion preference for Kora silk sarees is not limited to a particular event or celebration.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF KORA SILK SAREE
- Kora Silk Cotton Saree: This type of saree is a blend of silk and cotton, and is lighter in weight and more affordable than pure Kora silk sarees. Kora silk cotton sarees are also available in a range of colors and designs.
- Tissue Kora Silk Saree: Tissue Kora silk sarees are made using a combination of silk and metallic threads, which gives them a unique, shimmery appearance.
- Kora Silk Organza Saree: Kora silk organza sarees are made using a combination of silk and organza, which gives them a crisp, transparent appearance. These sarees are often embroidered with intricate designs and are a popular choice for formal occasions.
- Kora Silk Chanderi Saree: Kora silk chanderi sarees are made using a blend of silk and cotton, and are known for their lightweight and delicate texture. These sarees are also often embellished with zari work.
Kora Silk Saree Price
Kora silk sarees can cost anywhere between INR 2000 to INR 50,000 and more. While kora silk cotton sarees are typically more affordable and can be found in the range of INR 2000 to INR 10,000.
Tissue Kora silk sarees, which are often embellished with zari work and metallic threads, can cost anywhere between INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 and more.
Kora silk organza sarees, which are often embroidered with intricate designs, can also be quite expensive, with prices ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 40,000 and more.
In general, Kora silk sarees are considered to be a luxurious and high-end item, and their price reflects this.
PLACES FOR KORA SILK SAREES ONLINE SHOPPING
LATEST TRENDS AND NEW DESIGNS IN KORA SILK SAREES
In the present day, Kora silk sarees continue to be a popular choice among Indian women, especially those who appreciate traditional weaving techniques and handcrafted designs.
The demand for Kora silk sarees has also increased globally, with people from all over the world showing interest in owning these exquisite sarees.
One of the reasons for the popularity of Kora silk sarees is the use of natural fibers and dyes in their production, which makes them eco-friendly and sustainable.
In addition, Kora silk sarees are known for their unique texture and sheen, which sets them apart from other types of sarees.
To cater to the growing demand for Kora silk sarees, many weavers and designers are now experimenting with new designs, colors, and embellishments, while still retaining the traditional weaving techniques.
This has led to the creation of many new styles and variations of Kora silk sarees, making them even more versatile and suitable for different occasions.
