The Kerala Cotton Saree is an adaption of
the Mundum Neriyathum, the traditional attire of Malayali women since historic
times, and modified suitably to modern tastes.
The Kerala Cotton Sari has evolved from the Mundum Neriyathum, the traditional attire
of women in the
South Indian state of Kerala. In fact the MunduNeriyathum can be said to have
influenced the creation of the modern Saree.
Once woven by hand
alone, the Kerala Cotton Handloom Sarees have slowly given way to the
manufacture of the Kerala Cotton Saree by power looms. Hand
embroidered motifs have also been replaced by designer prints of the motif.
The Kerala Cotton Saree with golden, copper-coloured or Zari borders
for a white or cream fabric, also known as Kasavu Saree, is specially made to
be worn during festivals and auspicious occasions. As with Mundum Neriyathum, the blouse matches the Kerala
Cotton Saree for festive occasions with colours based on the age and marital
status of the woman. A green coloured blouse would be for young, unmarried girls,
while the married and middle aged women wear red blouses.
Modern day prints
on the cotton fabric with coloured borders and popular designs of peacock and temple
adorning the pallu, have made the Kerala Cotton Handloom Saree popular as daily
wear.
Historically, the Mundum Neriyathum, or the two piece cotton fabric
worn since ancient times, is still a traditional costume. The Neriyathu, draping
the upper torso, from right hip to left shoulder over the blouse, with the
portion beyond the shoulder left hanging, has come from Buddhist and Jain
influences of ancient India, with the coloured borders of the garment
supposedly being borrowed from Greco-Roman culture.
In simple form
it is daily wear, in the Kasavu form it is grand and meant for festival wear
Modern day prints
on the cotton fabric with coloured borders and popular designs of peacock and temple
adorning the pallu, have also made the Kerala Cotton Handloom Saree popular as
daily wear.
The Kerala Cotton Saree is woven from unbleached
cotton or Kora cloth. With a golden Jari border and motifs of animals, birds, peacocks, flowers,
fruits and leaves, it is highly popular. Adding style to the handloom saree are
motifs of checks and stripe patterns on wooden block prints using vegetable
dyes.
A
popular variety of the Kerala Cotton Saree has Zari Buttas and a Resham Zari Border,
coupled with an elegant pallu, preferred as occasion wear in corporate offices,
colleges and schools. It also appeals as novel wear during festivals.
Equally
enticing the Kerala Cotton Sari with block printed motifs and multi-thread
embroidered border in half-half pattern with contrasting colours. It makes it
suitable for daily casual, office wear during summer and traditional functions.
Online websites such as Unnati
Silks, with a large collection of traditional and trendy
Kerala Cotton Handloom Sarees, with beautiful prints, broad borders, exquisite
pallus, could be the answer to getting the Kerala Cotton Sarees of choice and
quality at reasonable prices.
Contact:
UNNATI
SILK PRINTS PVT. LTD,
#3-4-360, Vajra Complex,
General Bazar (Tobacco Bazar), M.G.Road, Hyderabad-500003. AP,India.
040-64555251 or 97000 57744.
Website
: www.unnatisilks.com
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