The festive season is upon us, and the saree is one Indian ethnic garment whose versatility and beauty remain unmatched. This six-yard wonder has been embraced by every generation and has been etched into our memories — from Maharani Gayatri Devi's chiffon masterpieces (which we were told would be nine-yards) made from fabric imported from Lyon, to Raveena Tandon's iconic yellow saree in the song "Tip Tip Barsa Paani.” The saree is perfect for all seasons and moods.
And, it's always such a delight to see today’s celebrities wearing the saree in traditional weaves. South superstar Nayanthara recently dropped photos of herself on Instagram dressed in a red Chanderi silk saree, which she had accessorised with oversized jhumkas and a small bindi. She completed her look with a sleek bun adorned with gajra. The result was alluring and beautiful. T
he saree, designed by Neela by Anu Vardhan, featured a rich gold border and was embellished with delicate gold motifs.
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All About Chanderi Silk Saree
The Chanderi textile is often called the "Jewel of Madhya Pradesh." Mostly woven using cotton or silk yarns, the fabric gets its name from Chanderi, a town in the Ashok Nagar district of Madhya Pradesh. Situated on the borders of Bundelkhand and Malwa, Chanderi remains a hub for weavers, with over 60% of the town’s population involved in producing this textile.
Chanderi fabric carries a rich history, with its origins tracing back to the Vedic period. Some references even suggest that Lord Krishna’s cousin, Shishupal, established the town. However, the documented history of Chanderi fabric dates from the 13th century, when a community of weavers settled in the region between Malwa and Bundelkhand.
The Ain-e-Akbari, written by Abul Fazl during Emperor Akbar’s reign, mentions the fine weaves of Chanderi. Ma’asir-e-Alamgiri (1658-1707), written during Aurangzeb’s reign, highlights an imperial workshop in Chanderi that produced an exquisitely fine cloth, often adorned with gold and silver work. The 1907 Gazetteer of the Princely State of Gwalior further confirms the continuation of this ancient weaving tradition. It also notes that during the Bundela reign, the fabric was marked with their royal seal, featuring a crown flanked by two prancing lions, according to the American Institute of Indian Studies.
It was in 1910, that Chanderi was patronised by the Scindia royal family of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.
The Chanderi textile was awarded the GI Tag in 2005.