India is a country of numerous cultures. And our South Indian heritage offers us an incredibly rich tapestry of beautiful textile designs. In fact, you can’t justify the astounding cultural richness and craftsmanship of South Indian sarees by grouping them under a single header.
You have Kanjeevaram, Mysore, Pochampally, Chettinad, Gadwal, Mangalgiri, Salem, Kanchi, and many more amazing South Indian saree types, each with their own unique charm and draping style. Explore the complete range of stunning South Indian sarees under one roof at Taneira, a Tata Product.
Why South Indian Sarees Are Special
South Indian sarees are a visual treat that come with impressive designs. With their artistic motifs, lively colours, and remarkable weaving, South sarees take your style to new heights.
No other kind of saree can match the endearing charm of South Indian silk sarees. The weaves, motifs, colours, and designs of most South Indian silk sarees are influenced by the Kanchipuram saree. Each saree is brought to life with the meticulous skill and time-honoured tradition of local craftspeople who weave stories of grace, elegance, and heritage on the six-yard fabric. They are the epitome of luxury and opulence, and drape elegantly.
South Indian cotton sarees are popular, lightweight, and comfortable to wear. Kanchi cotton sarees, also from Kanchipuram, are known for their intricate designsand lively colours. They use high-quality cotton yarn and are woven with traditional techniques.While Chettinad cotton sarees from Tamil Nadu are known for their distinctive patterns, Mangalgiri cotton sarees are famous for their soft textureand durability.
Must-Own South Indian Silk Sarees
South Indian sarees, from the regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka,are extremely unique, timelessly elegant, and have profound cultural significance. Having many similarities and minor differences in technique, motifs,and colours,each typeof South Indian sarees is unique.
Have a look at the cultural legacy of South Indian sarees with the below region-wise South Indian saree classification.
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
Pochampally Sarees
Purely handwoven and light on the skin, Pochampally sarees are woven in Ikat style and flaunt numerous geometric patterns. Make a bold fashion statement with the vibrant colours and designs of Pochampally sarees.
Gadwal Sarees
Gadwal from Telangana is a handcrafted woven saree style that offers a fine combination of silk and cotton. While the entire saree is made of cotton, its borders are made of silk. You can see the beautiful shapes of temples and their architecture adorning the saree.Known for their variety and regal appeal, these south silk sarees are a visual delight.
Narayanpet Sarees
Woven using the interlock-weft technique, Narayanpet sareesare known for their durability. Their weaving style is influencedby the states of Maharashtra as well as Telangana. Renowned as the garment of the gods, Narayanpet sarees were also worn by the aristocracy for a long period of time.
Venkatagiri Sarees
Venkatagiri sarees are zari cotton sarees known for their Jamdani weaving. The sarees boast one of the softest and most durable saree fabrics in India. Their zari designs and fine weaving made them popular among royalty back in the day.
Uppada Sarees
Light and easy to wrap, Uppada sarees boast one of the finest Jamdani weaves in South India. They are renowned for their wealthy tones, easy drapes, and elaboratedesigns on fine fabrics.
Tamil Nadu
Kanjeevaram Sarees
Dubbed the ‘queen of silk’, the Kanjeevaram silk sarees are made of pure mulberry silk. Their silver and golden threads give them a rich glimmer. Traditional Kanjeevaram sarees come with designs like stripes, leaves, floral motifs, temple borders, checks, and more.The sarees come in shades ofred, golden, yellow, mauve, pink, green, purple, orange, and more.
Kora Sarees
Also called Coimbatore sarees, Kora sarees are made using pure silk and jacquard winding. They are made with the twisting of pure silk yarns and filaments. Their light feel and beautiful wrap makes the wearer look gracious.
Arani Sarees
Known for their beautiful feel and rich surface, Arani silk sarees are made using pure silk. Add to your wardrobe the saree type valued for its eternal beauty and reliability.
Kanchi Cotton Silk Sarees
Kanchi cotton silk sarees are well-known for their dynamic tones. The South Indian cotton saree uses a mix of cotton and silk to give birth to a lightweight saree, perfect for daily wear.
Salem Sarees
Salem sarees are known for their many-sided designs, folklore themes, and rich tones. The luxurious sarees are perfect to wear for marriages and other big events.
Kerala
Kasavu Sarees
The traditional yet elegant Kasavu sarees are a symbol of Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. Their simplicity and poise make them a classic. Woven in off-white or cream-coloured fabric, the sarees are adorned with golden borders called kasavu. They employ a weaving technique practiced at Balaramapuram,featuring handwoven butterfly designs and tassel detailing on the pallu.Kasavu sarees make for a perfect outfit for special occasions like festivals and weddings.
Karnataka
Mysore Sarees
Light in weight and handwoven from mulberry silk, Mysore silk sarees are renowned for their delicate design, gleaming lustre, and bold colour contrast. Woven from the soft and lustrous Mysore silk, these south Indian sarees are often adorned with golden zari borders.The fabulous display of colours and patterns makesMysore silk sarees a timeless classic.
Ilkal Sarees
The Ilkal weaving cluster has a history dating back to 8th century AD. Ilkal sarees are woven using a technique called ‘Topi Tene’. With the saree body and pallu woven separately on different looms, Ilkal sarees offer you a unique drape and a distinctive look. Having its roots in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, the saree is made using cotton, pure silk, and rayon.
How to Care for Your South Indian Saree
The beautiful South Indian sarees need to be cared for to preserve their beauty so that you can pass them on as heirlooms! Whatever the fabric, you must dry clean your South Silk sarees to keep the weaves as is. Store your South Indian sarees in a muslin or cotton bag and keep them in a cool and dry place. A South Indian saree purchased from Taneira always come with a muslin bag.
Do not use any kind of perfume or spray directly onto your South Indian sarees and be gentle while folding or draping them. Refrain from folding them along the same line repeatedly.
Wrapping It Up
Taneira takes pride in bringing to you the rich heritage of Southern Indian craftsmanship through its collection ofSouth Indian sarees of contemporary designs. Whether you are attracted by the subtle beauty of Mysore silk or the regal allure of Kanjeevaram, choose from a rich tapestry of South Indian saree designs at Taneira, a Tata Product.