Skip to content
About Kankatala
Since 1943, Kankatala family has been travelling far and wide to discover the stories of the weaves of India. Handpicking the finest drapes to befit a queen!
Shop Categories
SHOP NEW ARRIVALS
Humble Beginnings to Heritage Icon
Kankatala's journey, founded by Mr. Kankatala Appalaraju in 1943, reflects resilience and passion for India’s traditional handloom sarees. Starting as a young boy selling sarees on his bicycle in villages around Vizag, Appalaraju built the brand from a small shop into a renowned saree destination, offering exclusive weaves.
-
Dr. Amrita Rajpal
Read moreDr.Amrita Rajpal
Dr. Amrita Rajpal is a remarkable woman. Her life story is nothing less than a page-turner—if a book were to be written. She always strived to achieve solutions to dealing with disabilities and children’s welfare. The inspirational woman Dr. Amrita stands tall in the handpicked Shikhargarh Banarsi Silk Saree by Kankatala.
“A teacher has to learn to teach and when she teaches, she learns. I’m in gratitude for being a teacher for over 25 years and through this journey learning the most valuable lessons of my life” –Dr. Amrita Rajpal
Education
She completed her postgraduate studies at the New Zealand Tertiary College, where she specialised in early childcare and education. Her academic ventures and excellence led her straight to Harvard School of Education, where she studied multiple teaching techniques and used multiple intelligences to help students learn.
Life as an Educator
Once she finished her academic journey, she started working as a supervisor at Kangaroo Kids Education Limited (KKEL). In this role, she was responsible for the school’s operations and administration and dedicatedly managed all aspects of classroom program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Amrita’s work serves as a huge inspiration this women’s day. Her skill set and devotion to children’s welfare got her promoted to the Head of the School Setup. In this role, she served as the head of operations, set up franchise and company-owned centres and ensured that the new preschools were inducted into the system before handing them over to the operations department. Moving forward, she worked as the Head of Operations at BrainWorks Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Entrepreneurial Success
Amrita’s ambition to help children and work towards their welfare led her to become the Co-Founder of the ABCD Show. The ABCD Show is a hub of education for children. It focuses on everyone who is concerned with children, from parents to school principals, to provide them with services and information, such as knowledge of theories, approaches, and ideas. This initiative aims to help transform early education.
Collaboration with parents, teachers, and educators ensured that children in the early childhood bracket across geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds helped in making education engaging, meaningful, and fun.
Amrita’s vision and creativity, combined with dedication, discipline, and a desire for education, rendered her more ambitious than ever. She strove for the highest possible standards and achieved them through Edu Learn Grow, an organisation for childcare that creates practical solutions for real-life struggles faced by children in early childhood.
Edu Learn Grow’s Mission
Edu Learn Grow in Mumbai aims at the transformation of education of early learners. This noble cause aimed at providing an education of the highest quality through a unique curriculum. Amrita’s company focuses on teacher development programs in order to enhance the quality of education which is only possible if the educators are at par with the syllabus and curriculum. The school setup of her company is unique and focuses on finding solutions. Edu Learn Grow is effective in its techniques, innovative with new ideas, and promotes holistic learning opportunities that are relevant to the 21st century.
Conclusion
Amrita’s zeal and resilience make her a woman every woman should be proud of. mrita dreamed of the betterment of children and worked tirelessly towards the one goal. This did not happen without the inevitable setbacks, but Amrita faced them all with immense courage. and she did it all in a saree!
Kankatala celebrates women like Amrita Rajpal as one of the ‘Heroes in Sarees’ as we put the spotlight on 8 real-life women achievers who have managed to break the glass ceiling in various fields while draped in a saree. This initiative aims to highlight the fact that there is nothing a woman in a saree cannot do.
-
Siddhi Manerikar
Read moreSiddhi Manerikar
Sidhhi Manerikar went from climbing cashew trees as a hobby to being a professional rock climber on a global platform. She has been awarded Maharashtra’s Highest Sports Award in rock climbing making her an inspirational woman of this century.
“Even women can beat gravity as well as men. There’s no excuse to not excel!” says Siddhi.
Early life
When she moved to Mumbai at the age of 13, one day, her sports instructor came into her class and asked if anyone knew how to climb trees. This led Siddhi to try her hobby as a sport. In November 2018, she achieved her most treasured achievement: scoring 8A in climbing. She was the first female competitor from India to complete that route.
Siddhi, who used to climb cashew trees, wasn’t really good with technology in the beginning. Her instructor constantly tried to get her to learn how to use technology for training. Her attitude, determination and enthusiasm towards rock climbing made every one of the stepping stones in her way easier to tackle. Her resilient mindset and her extremely disciplined mindset made her reach the heights she’s at today.
In Mumbai, there were only two walls for her to climb. One was in Goregaon, and the other one was at Podar College in Dadar. Mumbai’s commute was a huge hassle for Siddhi as it is a city always chasing the clock. She says it takes her an hour and a half to just travel from her house to the climbing gym. The travel was difficult but her mind was set on practising and achieving the highest ranks.
From a Girl in School to an International Athlete
After two years of hard work and practice, Siddhi got the wonderful opportunity to compete in the Asian Youth Championship. She was determined to prove herself and represent her country on a global platform. She ranked 28th in this competition, making her the first female from India to be included in the world ranking.
Siddhi remarks that Mumbai lacks proper infrastructure. There are zero speedwells and no proper equipment for practising on the scale that her competitors from all over the world do. This lack of infrastructure does not hinder Siddhi, as she is the type of person to make the best of whatever equipment or circumstances she is faced with.
Siddhi’s Lessons
Siddhi is a dynamic rock climber, and keeping in mind that she comes from a country where there are no climbing walls, she is nothing short of one of the most remarkable climbers in India. For Siddhi, climbing isn’t just a sport. For her, climbing also teaches important life lessons as well. The biggest takeaway for Siddhi from climbing is that life isn’t easy, and just like climbing one rock after another, we have to get over from one obstacle to another.
She says that what inspires her the most is the struggle of the people who have come before her. She’s adamant about being the inspiration for the younger generations and paving the way for the climbers that come after her. She hopes that the new generation is able to achieve the heights of rock climbing in an easier way than she has.
Kankatala’s Campaign
On this Women’s Day, Kankatala celebrates inspirational women like Sidhhi Manerikar from Maharashtra. For this campaign, Kankatala highlights Siddhi’s story, as her resilience despite the lack of facilities invokes an awe-inspiring spark that burns in the hearts of those who look up to her.
Kankatala celebrates Siddhi as one of the ‘Heroes in Sarees’ as we put the spotlight on 8 real-life women achievers who have managed to break the glass ceiling in various fields while draped in a saree. This initiative aims to highlight the fact that there is nothing a woman in a saree cannot do.
-
Banarasi Motifs: The Embodiment of Timeless Elegance
Read moreEach saree has its own unique story to tell, and its motifs act as the storytellers. The Banarasi weaving pattern is one of the most unique and loved saree designs in India. The patterns always tell you about the tale of the craft and the history of the respective weaving gharanas.
Much like the rich cultural heritage of the temple city of Benaras, the Banarasi weave remains a timeless work of art in sarees. Today, we are going to look at some amazing Banarasi motifs and patterns, including the beautiful stories behind them.
Banarasi Motifs to Adorn Your Wardrobe
Banarasi sarees are one of the most celebrated pieces of clothing in the world. From little functions to the grandest weddings, each occasion in Indian households is incomplete without women’s dazzling Banarasi sarees. One of the major reasons why these sarees are so famous is the Banarasi motifs, with the rich gold and silver zari work.
The designs and patterns of Banarasi motifs are said to have accumulated over time by weavers and artisans who settled in Benaras from different places in the country. The Mughal rulers were said to be quite fond of these weaves, and it is under their patronage that this art form is considered to have flourished.
Here is a look at these outstanding patterns:
Paisley or Buto
The paisley motif is rich in symbolic and spiritual meaning. The paisley usually signifies the time of harvest in India, a time of socio-economic significance. This particular motif was earlier made for the King of India for crowns or court garments. Apart from the Banarasi sarees, the paisley motif is widely used in beautiful Kanchipuram sarees, Buttidar Baluchari sarees, and Dhakai Jamdanis.
Floral Jaal
It is the most loved and cherished Banarasi motif for sarees. These floral and leafy patterns have ruled millions of hearts across the world for years. The introduction of florals in Banarasi sarees dates back to the 17th century, when silk weavers from Gujarat resettled in the region. Yet, the real use of these floral Banarasi motifs on clothing happened in the Mughal era, which also had a huge impact on the Banarasi weaving industry.
Mangaai / Mankolamaam / Kaccha Mango Motif
Mango is considered an auspicious fruit and plays a prominent place in Indian mythology. Famous Kings of India like Akbar and Jahangir have patronized the arts associated with this fruit and used the mango motif in their jewels, palaces, and even dresses.
This Banarasi motif design has become highly popular and is currently one of the most widely used designs in saree weaving. The mango motif has conquered its place in the Banarasi weaving industry as a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and richness.
Bel Buti
Also called the creeping vine motif, this particular pattern is said to have originated in Persia. Later, the Mughals adopted this Banarasi motif for their dresses. Its thin, leafy, curvy stems are often embellished with flowers, buds, and fruits. These beautiful patterns have inspired weavers to create incredible patterns on Banarasi sarees. Thus, Buti is a famous floral motif found in sarees that is truly artistic.
These stunning bel butta motifs can be either big or small. So, the Banarasi weavers create geometrical patterns across the saree using the same patterns. They also use multiple hues on the clothing that give the bel butta patterns a new gaze.
Floral Butta
The floral butta motif is one of the oldest and most appreciated designs among weavers. These Banarasi motifs are intrinsically placed throughout the whole saree to ensure a stunning and eye-catching creation. The buttas of these motifs can be woven with either a golden or silver zari.
A few weavers also prefer using colorful threads to contrast the saree’s base. The red Banarasi saree is an exceptional illustration of this particular motif. These sarees are ornamented with floral butta motifs, which gives them a mystical charm.
Jangla
These Banarasi motifs are considered among the oldest designs ever crafted on beautiful sarees. These special motifs replicate the Jagala vegetation, which is richly decorated throughout the six yards. Its difference from Floral Jaal lies in the use of leaves, branches, and creepers, while floral jaal predominantly displays flowers.
For the uninitiated, the word “jangla” implies “jungle,” which is also depicted throughout the saree through intricate patterns. These unique motifs are said to exude a sense of happiness, luxury, and unrivaled elegance.
Shikargarh
These Banarasi motifs precisely portray hunting scenes. The origin of this kind of design is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in Persia. The Shikargah designs feature elements showcasing themes of animals, forests, and hunting. They also display figures of humans, birds, and animals. The hunting patterns often bring out the saree’s elegance like nothing else.
Final Thoughts
The magnificence of Banarasi motifs cannot be compared or even replicated in any other weave in the world. These pristine-looking motifs are often made using one of the three weaving techniques: cutwork, brocade, or Kadhwa. You can find various floral motifs, Shikargah motifs, buttis, and other patterns when searching for such motifs and patterns that entice you with their distinguished appeal and impeccable craftsmanship. You can visit Kankatala anytime if Banarasi motifs in sarees entice you. Get the best quality sarees at the most affordable prices only on this platform.
-
Know Everything Kalamkari Sarees and its Divine Motifs
Read moreKalamkari sarees are embraced for their captivating fusion of tradition, art, and sophisticated designs. It boasts hand-crafted patterns with motifs such as the tree of life, flowers, gods, goddesses, scenes, animals and birds influenced by ancient Indian mythology. This article will enlighten you on the rich cultural significance of Kalamkari saree and its gorgeous motifs.
Kalamkari Sarees: Origin and Distinct Motifs
The Srikalahasti and Masulipatnam in Andhra Pradesh are the birthplaces of the exquisite pattern and grace of the Kalamkari saree. The Persian terms Kalam and Kari, which signify pen and craftsmanship, respectively, were combined to create the name Kalamkari. Two captivating methods that distinguish Kalamkari art are Machilipatnam (block printing) and Srikalahasti (hand painting). Its intricate pattern on cotton, silk, and other weaves, dyed with natural colours, boasts unique charm and mythological symbolism.
Machilipatnam’s artisans illustrated mythological tales on a large canvas with dyes extracted from plants. The Mughals referred to these artists as “Qualamkars”, giving rise to the term “Kalamkari”. This exceptional hand-crafted art reflecting the mythos soon spread across various regions of Andhra Pradesh. The most loved Kalamkari motifs are:
- Floral Motifs: Floral and nature-inspired motifs are the highlight of Kalamkari Sarees. The unique and ancient-style patterns of blossoming flowers, leaves, vines, paisley, and lotuses are printed or painted on Kalamkari, exhibiting a mesmerising tapestry of colours and shapes. These kalamkari motifs honour the grace and symbolism of nature. It symbolises growth, harmony, and abundance.
The exquisite detailing of these motifs adds to the ever-rising appeal of a Kalamkari saree. Though these natural motifs are associated with auspicious occasions, kalamkari sarees are also adorned at casual events or gatherings nowadays because they infuse elegance that complements every occasion.
- Animal and Bird Motifs: Some of the most popular kalamkari motifs feature various animals and birds, such as peacocks, elephants, tigers, and deer. The majestic peacock motif in Kalamkari stands for grace, spirituality, and prosperity in Indian culture.
It’s vibrant feathers and fascinating presence add an inexplicable elegance to the fabric. The patterns resembling horses, elephants, and tigers suggest ancient history, rich heritage, and royal valour.
- Divine Characters: Since Kalamkari art was inspired by Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, its motifs also incorporate the depiction of divine characters. Kalamkari motifs, featuring the divine figures, capture scenes from epics and mythos.
Its mesmerising artwork features Krishna Raas-Leela, Parvati, Vishnu, Shri Jagannath, and scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These divine motifs add spiritual charm to Kalamkari sarees and retain the rich ancient past through art. The depiction of divine figures is believed to bestow blessings and protection upon the wearer.
- Tree of Life: The Tree of Life symbol is famous in clothing, jewellery, and decor across the various regions of the globe. It is more than just a fascinating design as it carries spiritual significance. It is one of the most common and admired motifs in Kalamkari, symbolising interconnectedness, growth, and renewal.
The Tree of Life is believed to be connecting the heavens, earth and the world beneath the surface of earth. Additionally, its vast significance is also attached to nourishment and care.
- Geometric patterns: Besides divine figures, ancient history, and natural motifs, Kalamkari sarees also infuse geometric patterns and abstract designs. These motifs boast appealing symmetry, precision, and a modern twist to traditional art. It forms a connection between contemporary styles and age-old traditions.
The Extensive Efforts Involved in Crafting Kalamkari Sarees
The making process of Kalamkari motifs is extensive yet worth the effort. It involves months of effort, passion for traditional art, and unparalleled expertise to do justice to the depth and complexity of Kalamkari art. The process begins with the selection of the fabric, typically cotton or silk. The fabric is then washed and treated to remove impurities.
Natural dyes extracted from plants and vegetables give it a vibrant colour and unique texture. A certain gap between the dying and printing process further escalates the making of Kalamkari sarees. Once dyes are perfectly infused in the fabric, the artisan proceeds with hand-painting or block-printing the design.
Only artisans with years of experience and excellent skill can give the perfect finishing and detailing to Kalamkari motifs. To outline the motifs, a fine-tipped brush or a wooden block with ink is used. Once the outline is completed, the colours are filled in. Next, the saree is dried in the sun to set the colours and natural texture. Once dried well, the fabric is washed again to remove excess pigment.
Find at Best Kalamkari Sarees at Kankatala
The Kalamkari motifs honour the enduring legacy of Indian traditional art and creativity. Its natural colours, spiritual motifs, and artistic process celebrate the rich tradition, culture, and artistry. Symbolising growth, harmony, protection, and diving charm, each Kalamkari saree tells a story passed through generations. If you are looking for the finest Kalamkari sarees in the best patterns and colours, Kankatala is a platform you can trust. Check out our website to explore the best range of Kalamkari sarees.
References
-
Dr. Amrita Rajpal
Read moreDr.Amrita Rajpal
Dr. Amrita Rajpal is a remarkable woman. Her life story is nothing less than a page-turner—if a book were to be written. She always strived to achieve solutions to dealing with disabilities and children’s welfare. The inspirational woman Dr. Amrita stands tall in the handpicked Shikhargarh Banarsi Silk Saree by Kankatala.
“A teacher has to learn to teach and when she teaches, she learns. I’m in gratitude for being a teacher for over 25 years and through this journey learning the most valuable lessons of my life” –Dr. Amrita Rajpal
Education
She completed her postgraduate studies at the New Zealand Tertiary College, where she specialised in early childcare and education. Her academic ventures and excellence led her straight to Harvard School of Education, where she studied multiple teaching techniques and used multiple intelligences to help students learn.
Life as an Educator
Once she finished her academic journey, she started working as a supervisor at Kangaroo Kids Education Limited (KKEL). In this role, she was responsible for the school’s operations and administration and dedicatedly managed all aspects of classroom program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Amrita’s work serves as a huge inspiration this women’s day. Her skill set and devotion to children’s welfare got her promoted to the Head of the School Setup. In this role, she served as the head of operations, set up franchise and company-owned centres and ensured that the new preschools were inducted into the system before handing them over to the operations department. Moving forward, she worked as the Head of Operations at BrainWorks Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Entrepreneurial Success
Amrita’s ambition to help children and work towards their welfare led her to become the Co-Founder of the ABCD Show. The ABCD Show is a hub of education for children. It focuses on everyone who is concerned with children, from parents to school principals, to provide them with services and information, such as knowledge of theories, approaches, and ideas. This initiative aims to help transform early education.
Collaboration with parents, teachers, and educators ensured that children in the early childhood bracket across geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds helped in making education engaging, meaningful, and fun.
Amrita’s vision and creativity, combined with dedication, discipline, and a desire for education, rendered her more ambitious than ever. She strove for the highest possible standards and achieved them through Edu Learn Grow, an organisation for childcare that creates practical solutions for real-life struggles faced by children in early childhood.
Edu Learn Grow’s Mission
Edu Learn Grow in Mumbai aims at the transformation of education of early learners. This noble cause aimed at providing an education of the highest quality through a unique curriculum. Amrita’s company focuses on teacher development programs in order to enhance the quality of education which is only possible if the educators are at par with the syllabus and curriculum. The school setup of her company is unique and focuses on finding solutions. Edu Learn Grow is effective in its techniques, innovative with new ideas, and promotes holistic learning opportunities that are relevant to the 21st century.
Conclusion
Amrita’s zeal and resilience make her a woman every woman should be proud of. mrita dreamed of the betterment of children and worked tirelessly towards the one goal. This did not happen without the inevitable setbacks, but Amrita faced them all with immense courage. and she did it all in a saree!
Kankatala celebrates women like Amrita Rajpal as one of the ‘Heroes in Sarees’ as we put the spotlight on 8 real-life women achievers who have managed to break the glass ceiling in various fields while draped in a saree. This initiative aims to highlight the fact that there is nothing a woman in a saree cannot do.
-
Siddhi Manerikar
Read moreSiddhi Manerikar
Sidhhi Manerikar went from climbing cashew trees as a hobby to being a professional rock climber on a global platform. She has been awarded Maharashtra’s Highest Sports Award in rock climbing making her an inspirational woman of this century.
“Even women can beat gravity as well as men. There’s no excuse to not excel!” says Siddhi.
Early life
When she moved to Mumbai at the age of 13, one day, her sports instructor came into her class and asked if anyone knew how to climb trees. This led Siddhi to try her hobby as a sport. In November 2018, she achieved her most treasured achievement: scoring 8A in climbing. She was the first female competitor from India to complete that route.
Siddhi, who used to climb cashew trees, wasn’t really good with technology in the beginning. Her instructor constantly tried to get her to learn how to use technology for training. Her attitude, determination and enthusiasm towards rock climbing made every one of the stepping stones in her way easier to tackle. Her resilient mindset and her extremely disciplined mindset made her reach the heights she’s at today.
In Mumbai, there were only two walls for her to climb. One was in Goregaon, and the other one was at Podar College in Dadar. Mumbai’s commute was a huge hassle for Siddhi as it is a city always chasing the clock. She says it takes her an hour and a half to just travel from her house to the climbing gym. The travel was difficult but her mind was set on practising and achieving the highest ranks.
From a Girl in School to an International Athlete
After two years of hard work and practice, Siddhi got the wonderful opportunity to compete in the Asian Youth Championship. She was determined to prove herself and represent her country on a global platform. She ranked 28th in this competition, making her the first female from India to be included in the world ranking.
Siddhi remarks that Mumbai lacks proper infrastructure. There are zero speedwells and no proper equipment for practising on the scale that her competitors from all over the world do. This lack of infrastructure does not hinder Siddhi, as she is the type of person to make the best of whatever equipment or circumstances she is faced with.
Siddhi’s Lessons
Siddhi is a dynamic rock climber, and keeping in mind that she comes from a country where there are no climbing walls, she is nothing short of one of the most remarkable climbers in India. For Siddhi, climbing isn’t just a sport. For her, climbing also teaches important life lessons as well. The biggest takeaway for Siddhi from climbing is that life isn’t easy, and just like climbing one rock after another, we have to get over from one obstacle to another.
She says that what inspires her the most is the struggle of the people who have come before her. She’s adamant about being the inspiration for the younger generations and paving the way for the climbers that come after her. She hopes that the new generation is able to achieve the heights of rock climbing in an easier way than she has.
Kankatala’s Campaign
On this Women’s Day, Kankatala celebrates inspirational women like Sidhhi Manerikar from Maharashtra. For this campaign, Kankatala highlights Siddhi’s story, as her resilience despite the lack of facilities invokes an awe-inspiring spark that burns in the hearts of those who look up to her.
Kankatala celebrates Siddhi as one of the ‘Heroes in Sarees’ as we put the spotlight on 8 real-life women achievers who have managed to break the glass ceiling in various fields while draped in a saree. This initiative aims to highlight the fact that there is nothing a woman in a saree cannot do.
-
Banarasi Motifs: The Embodiment of Timeless Elegance
Read moreEach saree has its own unique story to tell, and its motifs act as the storytellers. The Banarasi weaving pattern is one of the most unique and loved saree designs in India. The patterns always tell you about the tale of the craft and the history of the respective weaving gharanas.
Much like the rich cultural heritage of the temple city of Benaras, the Banarasi weave remains a timeless work of art in sarees. Today, we are going to look at some amazing Banarasi motifs and patterns, including the beautiful stories behind them.
Banarasi Motifs to Adorn Your Wardrobe
Banarasi sarees are one of the most celebrated pieces of clothing in the world. From little functions to the grandest weddings, each occasion in Indian households is incomplete without women’s dazzling Banarasi sarees. One of the major reasons why these sarees are so famous is the Banarasi motifs, with the rich gold and silver zari work.
The designs and patterns of Banarasi motifs are said to have accumulated over time by weavers and artisans who settled in Benaras from different places in the country. The Mughal rulers were said to be quite fond of these weaves, and it is under their patronage that this art form is considered to have flourished.
Here is a look at these outstanding patterns:
Paisley or Buto
The paisley motif is rich in symbolic and spiritual meaning. The paisley usually signifies the time of harvest in India, a time of socio-economic significance. This particular motif was earlier made for the King of India for crowns or court garments. Apart from the Banarasi sarees, the paisley motif is widely used in beautiful Kanchipuram sarees, Buttidar Baluchari sarees, and Dhakai Jamdanis.
Floral Jaal
It is the most loved and cherished Banarasi motif for sarees. These floral and leafy patterns have ruled millions of hearts across the world for years. The introduction of florals in Banarasi sarees dates back to the 17th century, when silk weavers from Gujarat resettled in the region. Yet, the real use of these floral Banarasi motifs on clothing happened in the Mughal era, which also had a huge impact on the Banarasi weaving industry.
Mangaai / Mankolamaam / Kaccha Mango Motif
Mango is considered an auspicious fruit and plays a prominent place in Indian mythology. Famous Kings of India like Akbar and Jahangir have patronized the arts associated with this fruit and used the mango motif in their jewels, palaces, and even dresses.
This Banarasi motif design has become highly popular and is currently one of the most widely used designs in saree weaving. The mango motif has conquered its place in the Banarasi weaving industry as a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and richness.
Bel Buti
Also called the creeping vine motif, this particular pattern is said to have originated in Persia. Later, the Mughals adopted this Banarasi motif for their dresses. Its thin, leafy, curvy stems are often embellished with flowers, buds, and fruits. These beautiful patterns have inspired weavers to create incredible patterns on Banarasi sarees. Thus, Buti is a famous floral motif found in sarees that is truly artistic.
These stunning bel butta motifs can be either big or small. So, the Banarasi weavers create geometrical patterns across the saree using the same patterns. They also use multiple hues on the clothing that give the bel butta patterns a new gaze.
Floral Butta
The floral butta motif is one of the oldest and most appreciated designs among weavers. These Banarasi motifs are intrinsically placed throughout the whole saree to ensure a stunning and eye-catching creation. The buttas of these motifs can be woven with either a golden or silver zari.
A few weavers also prefer using colorful threads to contrast the saree’s base. The red Banarasi saree is an exceptional illustration of this particular motif. These sarees are ornamented with floral butta motifs, which gives them a mystical charm.
Jangla
These Banarasi motifs are considered among the oldest designs ever crafted on beautiful sarees. These special motifs replicate the Jagala vegetation, which is richly decorated throughout the six yards. Its difference from Floral Jaal lies in the use of leaves, branches, and creepers, while floral jaal predominantly displays flowers.
For the uninitiated, the word “jangla” implies “jungle,” which is also depicted throughout the saree through intricate patterns. These unique motifs are said to exude a sense of happiness, luxury, and unrivaled elegance.
Shikargarh
These Banarasi motifs precisely portray hunting scenes. The origin of this kind of design is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in Persia. The Shikargah designs feature elements showcasing themes of animals, forests, and hunting. They also display figures of humans, birds, and animals. The hunting patterns often bring out the saree’s elegance like nothing else.
Final Thoughts
The magnificence of Banarasi motifs cannot be compared or even replicated in any other weave in the world. These pristine-looking motifs are often made using one of the three weaving techniques: cutwork, brocade, or Kadhwa. You can find various floral motifs, Shikargah motifs, buttis, and other patterns when searching for such motifs and patterns that entice you with their distinguished appeal and impeccable craftsmanship. You can visit Kankatala anytime if Banarasi motifs in sarees entice you. Get the best quality sarees at the most affordable prices only on this platform.
-
Know Everything Kalamkari Sarees and its Divine Motifs
Read moreKalamkari sarees are embraced for their captivating fusion of tradition, art, and sophisticated designs. It boasts hand-crafted patterns with motifs such as the tree of life, flowers, gods, goddesses, scenes, animals and birds influenced by ancient Indian mythology. This article will enlighten you on the rich cultural significance of Kalamkari saree and its gorgeous motifs.
Kalamkari Sarees: Origin and Distinct Motifs
The Srikalahasti and Masulipatnam in Andhra Pradesh are the birthplaces of the exquisite pattern and grace of the Kalamkari saree. The Persian terms Kalam and Kari, which signify pen and craftsmanship, respectively, were combined to create the name Kalamkari. Two captivating methods that distinguish Kalamkari art are Machilipatnam (block printing) and Srikalahasti (hand painting). Its intricate pattern on cotton, silk, and other weaves, dyed with natural colours, boasts unique charm and mythological symbolism.
Machilipatnam’s artisans illustrated mythological tales on a large canvas with dyes extracted from plants. The Mughals referred to these artists as “Qualamkars”, giving rise to the term “Kalamkari”. This exceptional hand-crafted art reflecting the mythos soon spread across various regions of Andhra Pradesh. The most loved Kalamkari motifs are:
- Floral Motifs: Floral and nature-inspired motifs are the highlight of Kalamkari Sarees. The unique and ancient-style patterns of blossoming flowers, leaves, vines, paisley, and lotuses are printed or painted on Kalamkari, exhibiting a mesmerising tapestry of colours and shapes. These kalamkari motifs honour the grace and symbolism of nature. It symbolises growth, harmony, and abundance.
The exquisite detailing of these motifs adds to the ever-rising appeal of a Kalamkari saree. Though these natural motifs are associated with auspicious occasions, kalamkari sarees are also adorned at casual events or gatherings nowadays because they infuse elegance that complements every occasion.
- Animal and Bird Motifs: Some of the most popular kalamkari motifs feature various animals and birds, such as peacocks, elephants, tigers, and deer. The majestic peacock motif in Kalamkari stands for grace, spirituality, and prosperity in Indian culture.
It’s vibrant feathers and fascinating presence add an inexplicable elegance to the fabric. The patterns resembling horses, elephants, and tigers suggest ancient history, rich heritage, and royal valour.
- Divine Characters: Since Kalamkari art was inspired by Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, its motifs also incorporate the depiction of divine characters. Kalamkari motifs, featuring the divine figures, capture scenes from epics and mythos.
Its mesmerising artwork features Krishna Raas-Leela, Parvati, Vishnu, Shri Jagannath, and scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These divine motifs add spiritual charm to Kalamkari sarees and retain the rich ancient past through art. The depiction of divine figures is believed to bestow blessings and protection upon the wearer.
- Tree of Life: The Tree of Life symbol is famous in clothing, jewellery, and decor across the various regions of the globe. It is more than just a fascinating design as it carries spiritual significance. It is one of the most common and admired motifs in Kalamkari, symbolising interconnectedness, growth, and renewal.
The Tree of Life is believed to be connecting the heavens, earth and the world beneath the surface of earth. Additionally, its vast significance is also attached to nourishment and care.
- Geometric patterns: Besides divine figures, ancient history, and natural motifs, Kalamkari sarees also infuse geometric patterns and abstract designs. These motifs boast appealing symmetry, precision, and a modern twist to traditional art. It forms a connection between contemporary styles and age-old traditions.
The Extensive Efforts Involved in Crafting Kalamkari Sarees
The making process of Kalamkari motifs is extensive yet worth the effort. It involves months of effort, passion for traditional art, and unparalleled expertise to do justice to the depth and complexity of Kalamkari art. The process begins with the selection of the fabric, typically cotton or silk. The fabric is then washed and treated to remove impurities.
Natural dyes extracted from plants and vegetables give it a vibrant colour and unique texture. A certain gap between the dying and printing process further escalates the making of Kalamkari sarees. Once dyes are perfectly infused in the fabric, the artisan proceeds with hand-painting or block-printing the design.
Only artisans with years of experience and excellent skill can give the perfect finishing and detailing to Kalamkari motifs. To outline the motifs, a fine-tipped brush or a wooden block with ink is used. Once the outline is completed, the colours are filled in. Next, the saree is dried in the sun to set the colours and natural texture. Once dried well, the fabric is washed again to remove excess pigment.
Find at Best Kalamkari Sarees at Kankatala
The Kalamkari motifs honour the enduring legacy of Indian traditional art and creativity. Its natural colours, spiritual motifs, and artistic process celebrate the rich tradition, culture, and artistry. Symbolising growth, harmony, protection, and diving charm, each Kalamkari saree tells a story passed through generations. If you are looking for the finest Kalamkari sarees in the best patterns and colours, Kankatala is a platform you can trust. Check out our website to explore the best range of Kalamkari sarees.
References
-
Dr. Amrita Rajpal
Read moreDr.Amrita Rajpal
Dr. Amrita Rajpal is a remarkable woman. Her life story is nothing less than a page-turner—if a book were to be written. She always strived to achieve solutions to dealing with disabilities and children’s welfare. The inspirational woman Dr. Amrita stands tall in the handpicked Shikhargarh Banarsi Silk Saree by Kankatala.
“A teacher has to learn to teach and when she teaches, she learns. I’m in gratitude for being a teacher for over 25 years and through this journey learning the most valuable lessons of my life” –Dr. Amrita Rajpal
Education
She completed her postgraduate studies at the New Zealand Tertiary College, where she specialised in early childcare and education. Her academic ventures and excellence led her straight to Harvard School of Education, where she studied multiple teaching techniques and used multiple intelligences to help students learn.
Life as an Educator
Once she finished her academic journey, she started working as a supervisor at Kangaroo Kids Education Limited (KKEL). In this role, she was responsible for the school’s operations and administration and dedicatedly managed all aspects of classroom program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Amrita’s work serves as a huge inspiration this women’s day. Her skill set and devotion to children’s welfare got her promoted to the Head of the School Setup. In this role, she served as the head of operations, set up franchise and company-owned centres and ensured that the new preschools were inducted into the system before handing them over to the operations department. Moving forward, she worked as the Head of Operations at BrainWorks Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Entrepreneurial Success
Amrita’s ambition to help children and work towards their welfare led her to become the Co-Founder of the ABCD Show. The ABCD Show is a hub of education for children. It focuses on everyone who is concerned with children, from parents to school principals, to provide them with services and information, such as knowledge of theories, approaches, and ideas. This initiative aims to help transform early education.
Collaboration with parents, teachers, and educators ensured that children in the early childhood bracket across geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds helped in making education engaging, meaningful, and fun.
Amrita’s vision and creativity, combined with dedication, discipline, and a desire for education, rendered her more ambitious than ever. She strove for the highest possible standards and achieved them through Edu Learn Grow, an organisation for childcare that creates practical solutions for real-life struggles faced by children in early childhood.
Edu Learn Grow’s Mission
Edu Learn Grow in Mumbai aims at the transformation of education of early learners. This noble cause aimed at providing an education of the highest quality through a unique curriculum. Amrita’s company focuses on teacher development programs in order to enhance the quality of education which is only possible if the educators are at par with the syllabus and curriculum. The school setup of her company is unique and focuses on finding solutions. Edu Learn Grow is effective in its techniques, innovative with new ideas, and promotes holistic learning opportunities that are relevant to the 21st century.
Conclusion
Amrita’s zeal and resilience make her a woman every woman should be proud of. mrita dreamed of the betterment of children and worked tirelessly towards the one goal. This did not happen without the inevitable setbacks, but Amrita faced them all with immense courage. and she did it all in a saree!
Kankatala celebrates women like Amrita Rajpal as one of the ‘Heroes in Sarees’ as we put the spotlight on 8 real-life women achievers who have managed to break the glass ceiling in various fields while draped in a saree. This initiative aims to highlight the fact that there is nothing a woman in a saree cannot do.
-
Siddhi Manerikar
Read moreSiddhi Manerikar
Sidhhi Manerikar went from climbing cashew trees as a hobby to being a professional rock climber on a global platform. She has been awarded Maharashtra’s Highest Sports Award in rock climbing making her an inspirational woman of this century.
“Even women can beat gravity as well as men. There’s no excuse to not excel!” says Siddhi.
Early life
When she moved to Mumbai at the age of 13, one day, her sports instructor came into her class and asked if anyone knew how to climb trees. This led Siddhi to try her hobby as a sport. In November 2018, she achieved her most treasured achievement: scoring 8A in climbing. She was the first female competitor from India to complete that route.
Siddhi, who used to climb cashew trees, wasn’t really good with technology in the beginning. Her instructor constantly tried to get her to learn how to use technology for training. Her attitude, determination and enthusiasm towards rock climbing made every one of the stepping stones in her way easier to tackle. Her resilient mindset and her extremely disciplined mindset made her reach the heights she’s at today.
In Mumbai, there were only two walls for her to climb. One was in Goregaon, and the other one was at Podar College in Dadar. Mumbai’s commute was a huge hassle for Siddhi as it is a city always chasing the clock. She says it takes her an hour and a half to just travel from her house to the climbing gym. The travel was difficult but her mind was set on practising and achieving the highest ranks.
From a Girl in School to an International Athlete
After two years of hard work and practice, Siddhi got the wonderful opportunity to compete in the Asian Youth Championship. She was determined to prove herself and represent her country on a global platform. She ranked 28th in this competition, making her the first female from India to be included in the world ranking.
Siddhi remarks that Mumbai lacks proper infrastructure. There are zero speedwells and no proper equipment for practising on the scale that her competitors from all over the world do. This lack of infrastructure does not hinder Siddhi, as she is the type of person to make the best of whatever equipment or circumstances she is faced with.
Siddhi’s Lessons
Siddhi is a dynamic rock climber, and keeping in mind that she comes from a country where there are no climbing walls, she is nothing short of one of the most remarkable climbers in India. For Siddhi, climbing isn’t just a sport. For her, climbing also teaches important life lessons as well. The biggest takeaway for Siddhi from climbing is that life isn’t easy, and just like climbing one rock after another, we have to get over from one obstacle to another.
She says that what inspires her the most is the struggle of the people who have come before her. She’s adamant about being the inspiration for the younger generations and paving the way for the climbers that come after her. She hopes that the new generation is able to achieve the heights of rock climbing in an easier way than she has.
Kankatala’s Campaign
On this Women’s Day, Kankatala celebrates inspirational women like Sidhhi Manerikar from Maharashtra. For this campaign, Kankatala highlights Siddhi’s story, as her resilience despite the lack of facilities invokes an awe-inspiring spark that burns in the hearts of those who look up to her.
Kankatala celebrates Siddhi as one of the ‘Heroes in Sarees’ as we put the spotlight on 8 real-life women achievers who have managed to break the glass ceiling in various fields while draped in a saree. This initiative aims to highlight the fact that there is nothing a woman in a saree cannot do.
-
Banarasi Motifs: The Embodiment of Timeless Elegance
Read moreEach saree has its own unique story to tell, and its motifs act as the storytellers. The Banarasi weaving pattern is one of the most unique and loved saree designs in India. The patterns always tell you about the tale of the craft and the history of the respective weaving gharanas.
Much like the rich cultural heritage of the temple city of Benaras, the Banarasi weave remains a timeless work of art in sarees. Today, we are going to look at some amazing Banarasi motifs and patterns, including the beautiful stories behind them.
Banarasi Motifs to Adorn Your Wardrobe
Banarasi sarees are one of the most celebrated pieces of clothing in the world. From little functions to the grandest weddings, each occasion in Indian households is incomplete without women’s dazzling Banarasi sarees. One of the major reasons why these sarees are so famous is the Banarasi motifs, with the rich gold and silver zari work.
The designs and patterns of Banarasi motifs are said to have accumulated over time by weavers and artisans who settled in Benaras from different places in the country. The Mughal rulers were said to be quite fond of these weaves, and it is under their patronage that this art form is considered to have flourished.
Here is a look at these outstanding patterns:
Paisley or Buto
The paisley motif is rich in symbolic and spiritual meaning. The paisley usually signifies the time of harvest in India, a time of socio-economic significance. This particular motif was earlier made for the King of India for crowns or court garments. Apart from the Banarasi sarees, the paisley motif is widely used in beautiful Kanchipuram sarees, Buttidar Baluchari sarees, and Dhakai Jamdanis.
Floral Jaal
It is the most loved and cherished Banarasi motif for sarees. These floral and leafy patterns have ruled millions of hearts across the world for years. The introduction of florals in Banarasi sarees dates back to the 17th century, when silk weavers from Gujarat resettled in the region. Yet, the real use of these floral Banarasi motifs on clothing happened in the Mughal era, which also had a huge impact on the Banarasi weaving industry.
Mangaai / Mankolamaam / Kaccha Mango Motif
Mango is considered an auspicious fruit and plays a prominent place in Indian mythology. Famous Kings of India like Akbar and Jahangir have patronized the arts associated with this fruit and used the mango motif in their jewels, palaces, and even dresses.
This Banarasi motif design has become highly popular and is currently one of the most widely used designs in saree weaving. The mango motif has conquered its place in the Banarasi weaving industry as a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and richness.
Bel Buti
Also called the creeping vine motif, this particular pattern is said to have originated in Persia. Later, the Mughals adopted this Banarasi motif for their dresses. Its thin, leafy, curvy stems are often embellished with flowers, buds, and fruits. These beautiful patterns have inspired weavers to create incredible patterns on Banarasi sarees. Thus, Buti is a famous floral motif found in sarees that is truly artistic.
These stunning bel butta motifs can be either big or small. So, the Banarasi weavers create geometrical patterns across the saree using the same patterns. They also use multiple hues on the clothing that give the bel butta patterns a new gaze.
Floral Butta
The floral butta motif is one of the oldest and most appreciated designs among weavers. These Banarasi motifs are intrinsically placed throughout the whole saree to ensure a stunning and eye-catching creation. The buttas of these motifs can be woven with either a golden or silver zari.
A few weavers also prefer using colorful threads to contrast the saree’s base. The red Banarasi saree is an exceptional illustration of this particular motif. These sarees are ornamented with floral butta motifs, which gives them a mystical charm.
Jangla
These Banarasi motifs are considered among the oldest designs ever crafted on beautiful sarees. These special motifs replicate the Jagala vegetation, which is richly decorated throughout the six yards. Its difference from Floral Jaal lies in the use of leaves, branches, and creepers, while floral jaal predominantly displays flowers.
For the uninitiated, the word “jangla” implies “jungle,” which is also depicted throughout the saree through intricate patterns. These unique motifs are said to exude a sense of happiness, luxury, and unrivaled elegance.
Shikargarh
These Banarasi motifs precisely portray hunting scenes. The origin of this kind of design is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in Persia. The Shikargah designs feature elements showcasing themes of animals, forests, and hunting. They also display figures of humans, birds, and animals. The hunting patterns often bring out the saree’s elegance like nothing else.
Final Thoughts
The magnificence of Banarasi motifs cannot be compared or even replicated in any other weave in the world. These pristine-looking motifs are often made using one of the three weaving techniques: cutwork, brocade, or Kadhwa. You can find various floral motifs, Shikargah motifs, buttis, and other patterns when searching for such motifs and patterns that entice you with their distinguished appeal and impeccable craftsmanship. You can visit Kankatala anytime if Banarasi motifs in sarees entice you. Get the best quality sarees at the most affordable prices only on this platform.
-
Know Everything Kalamkari Sarees and its Divine Motifs
Read moreKalamkari sarees are embraced for their captivating fusion of tradition, art, and sophisticated designs. It boasts hand-crafted patterns with motifs such as the tree of life, flowers, gods, goddesses, scenes, animals and birds influenced by ancient Indian mythology. This article will enlighten you on the rich cultural significance of Kalamkari saree and its gorgeous motifs.
Kalamkari Sarees: Origin and Distinct Motifs
The Srikalahasti and Masulipatnam in Andhra Pradesh are the birthplaces of the exquisite pattern and grace of the Kalamkari saree. The Persian terms Kalam and Kari, which signify pen and craftsmanship, respectively, were combined to create the name Kalamkari. Two captivating methods that distinguish Kalamkari art are Machilipatnam (block printing) and Srikalahasti (hand painting). Its intricate pattern on cotton, silk, and other weaves, dyed with natural colours, boasts unique charm and mythological symbolism.
Machilipatnam’s artisans illustrated mythological tales on a large canvas with dyes extracted from plants. The Mughals referred to these artists as “Qualamkars”, giving rise to the term “Kalamkari”. This exceptional hand-crafted art reflecting the mythos soon spread across various regions of Andhra Pradesh. The most loved Kalamkari motifs are:
- Floral Motifs: Floral and nature-inspired motifs are the highlight of Kalamkari Sarees. The unique and ancient-style patterns of blossoming flowers, leaves, vines, paisley, and lotuses are printed or painted on Kalamkari, exhibiting a mesmerising tapestry of colours and shapes. These kalamkari motifs honour the grace and symbolism of nature. It symbolises growth, harmony, and abundance.
The exquisite detailing of these motifs adds to the ever-rising appeal of a Kalamkari saree. Though these natural motifs are associated with auspicious occasions, kalamkari sarees are also adorned at casual events or gatherings nowadays because they infuse elegance that complements every occasion.
- Animal and Bird Motifs: Some of the most popular kalamkari motifs feature various animals and birds, such as peacocks, elephants, tigers, and deer. The majestic peacock motif in Kalamkari stands for grace, spirituality, and prosperity in Indian culture.
It’s vibrant feathers and fascinating presence add an inexplicable elegance to the fabric. The patterns resembling horses, elephants, and tigers suggest ancient history, rich heritage, and royal valour.
- Divine Characters: Since Kalamkari art was inspired by Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, its motifs also incorporate the depiction of divine characters. Kalamkari motifs, featuring the divine figures, capture scenes from epics and mythos.
Its mesmerising artwork features Krishna Raas-Leela, Parvati, Vishnu, Shri Jagannath, and scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These divine motifs add spiritual charm to Kalamkari sarees and retain the rich ancient past through art. The depiction of divine figures is believed to bestow blessings and protection upon the wearer.
- Tree of Life: The Tree of Life symbol is famous in clothing, jewellery, and decor across the various regions of the globe. It is more than just a fascinating design as it carries spiritual significance. It is one of the most common and admired motifs in Kalamkari, symbolising interconnectedness, growth, and renewal.
The Tree of Life is believed to be connecting the heavens, earth and the world beneath the surface of earth. Additionally, its vast significance is also attached to nourishment and care.
- Geometric patterns: Besides divine figures, ancient history, and natural motifs, Kalamkari sarees also infuse geometric patterns and abstract designs. These motifs boast appealing symmetry, precision, and a modern twist to traditional art. It forms a connection between contemporary styles and age-old traditions.
The Extensive Efforts Involved in Crafting Kalamkari Sarees
The making process of Kalamkari motifs is extensive yet worth the effort. It involves months of effort, passion for traditional art, and unparalleled expertise to do justice to the depth and complexity of Kalamkari art. The process begins with the selection of the fabric, typically cotton or silk. The fabric is then washed and treated to remove impurities.
Natural dyes extracted from plants and vegetables give it a vibrant colour and unique texture. A certain gap between the dying and printing process further escalates the making of Kalamkari sarees. Once dyes are perfectly infused in the fabric, the artisan proceeds with hand-painting or block-printing the design.
Only artisans with years of experience and excellent skill can give the perfect finishing and detailing to Kalamkari motifs. To outline the motifs, a fine-tipped brush or a wooden block with ink is used. Once the outline is completed, the colours are filled in. Next, the saree is dried in the sun to set the colours and natural texture. Once dried well, the fabric is washed again to remove excess pigment.
Find at Best Kalamkari Sarees at Kankatala
The Kalamkari motifs honour the enduring legacy of Indian traditional art and creativity. Its natural colours, spiritual motifs, and artistic process celebrate the rich tradition, culture, and artistry. Symbolising growth, harmony, protection, and diving charm, each Kalamkari saree tells a story passed through generations. If you are looking for the finest Kalamkari sarees in the best patterns and colours, Kankatala is a platform you can trust. Check out our website to explore the best range of Kalamkari sarees.
References
-
Dr. Amrita Rajpal
Read moreDr.Amrita Rajpal
Dr. Amrita Rajpal is a remarkable woman. Her life story is nothing less than a page-turner—if a book were to be written. She always strived to achieve solutions to dealing with disabilities and children’s welfare. The inspirational woman Dr. Amrita stands tall in the handpicked Shikhargarh Banarsi Silk Saree by Kankatala.
“A teacher has to learn to teach and when she teaches, she learns. I’m in gratitude for being a teacher for over 25 years and through this journey learning the most valuable lessons of my life” –Dr. Amrita Rajpal
Education
She completed her postgraduate studies at the New Zealand Tertiary College, where she specialised in early childcare and education. Her academic ventures and excellence led her straight to Harvard School of Education, where she studied multiple teaching techniques and used multiple intelligences to help students learn.
Life as an Educator
Once she finished her academic journey, she started working as a supervisor at Kangaroo Kids Education Limited (KKEL). In this role, she was responsible for the school’s operations and administration and dedicatedly managed all aspects of classroom program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Amrita’s work serves as a huge inspiration this women’s day. Her skill set and devotion to children’s welfare got her promoted to the Head of the School Setup. In this role, she served as the head of operations, set up franchise and company-owned centres and ensured that the new preschools were inducted into the system before handing them over to the operations department. Moving forward, she worked as the Head of Operations at BrainWorks Learning Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Entrepreneurial Success
Amrita’s ambition to help children and work towards their welfare led her to become the Co-Founder of the ABCD Show. The ABCD Show is a hub of education for children. It focuses on everyone who is concerned with children, from parents to school principals, to provide them with services and information, such as knowledge of theories, approaches, and ideas. This initiative aims to help transform early education.
Collaboration with parents, teachers, and educators ensured that children in the early childhood bracket across geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds helped in making education engaging, meaningful, and fun.
Amrita’s vision and creativity, combined with dedication, discipline, and a desire for education, rendered her more ambitious than ever. She strove for the highest possible standards and achieved them through Edu Learn Grow, an organisation for childcare that creates practical solutions for real-life struggles faced by children in early childhood.
Edu Learn Grow’s Mission
Edu Learn Grow in Mumbai aims at the transformation of education of early learners. This noble cause aimed at providing an education of the highest quality through a unique curriculum. Amrita’s company focuses on teacher development programs in order to enhance the quality of education which is only possible if the educators are at par with the syllabus and curriculum. The school setup of her company is unique and focuses on finding solutions. Edu Learn Grow is effective in its techniques, innovative with new ideas, and promotes holistic learning opportunities that are relevant to the 21st century.
Conclusion
Amrita’s zeal and resilience make her a woman every woman should be proud of. mrita dreamed of the betterment of children and worked tirelessly towards the one goal. This did not happen without the inevitable setbacks, but Amrita faced them all with immense courage. and she did it all in a saree!
Kankatala celebrates women like Amrita Rajpal as one of the ‘Heroes in Sarees’ as we put the spotlight on 8 real-life women achievers who have managed to break the glass ceiling in various fields while draped in a saree. This initiative aims to highlight the fact that there is nothing a woman in a saree cannot do.
-
Siddhi Manerikar
Read moreSiddhi Manerikar
Sidhhi Manerikar went from climbing cashew trees as a hobby to being a professional rock climber on a global platform. She has been awarded Maharashtra’s Highest Sports Award in rock climbing making her an inspirational woman of this century.
“Even women can beat gravity as well as men. There’s no excuse to not excel!” says Siddhi.
Early life
When she moved to Mumbai at the age of 13, one day, her sports instructor came into her class and asked if anyone knew how to climb trees. This led Siddhi to try her hobby as a sport. In November 2018, she achieved her most treasured achievement: scoring 8A in climbing. She was the first female competitor from India to complete that route.
Siddhi, who used to climb cashew trees, wasn’t really good with technology in the beginning. Her instructor constantly tried to get her to learn how to use technology for training. Her attitude, determination and enthusiasm towards rock climbing made every one of the stepping stones in her way easier to tackle. Her resilient mindset and her extremely disciplined mindset made her reach the heights she’s at today.
In Mumbai, there were only two walls for her to climb. One was in Goregaon, and the other one was at Podar College in Dadar. Mumbai’s commute was a huge hassle for Siddhi as it is a city always chasing the clock. She says it takes her an hour and a half to just travel from her house to the climbing gym. The travel was difficult but her mind was set on practising and achieving the highest ranks.
From a Girl in School to an International Athlete
After two years of hard work and practice, Siddhi got the wonderful opportunity to compete in the Asian Youth Championship. She was determined to prove herself and represent her country on a global platform. She ranked 28th in this competition, making her the first female from India to be included in the world ranking.
Siddhi remarks that Mumbai lacks proper infrastructure. There are zero speedwells and no proper equipment for practising on the scale that her competitors from all over the world do. This lack of infrastructure does not hinder Siddhi, as she is the type of person to make the best of whatever equipment or circumstances she is faced with.
Siddhi’s Lessons
Siddhi is a dynamic rock climber, and keeping in mind that she comes from a country where there are no climbing walls, she is nothing short of one of the most remarkable climbers in India. For Siddhi, climbing isn’t just a sport. For her, climbing also teaches important life lessons as well. The biggest takeaway for Siddhi from climbing is that life isn’t easy, and just like climbing one rock after another, we have to get over from one obstacle to another.
She says that what inspires her the most is the struggle of the people who have come before her. She’s adamant about being the inspiration for the younger generations and paving the way for the climbers that come after her. She hopes that the new generation is able to achieve the heights of rock climbing in an easier way than she has.
Kankatala’s Campaign
On this Women’s Day, Kankatala celebrates inspirational women like Sidhhi Manerikar from Maharashtra. For this campaign, Kankatala highlights Siddhi’s story, as her resilience despite the lack of facilities invokes an awe-inspiring spark that burns in the hearts of those who look up to her.
Kankatala celebrates Siddhi as one of the ‘Heroes in Sarees’ as we put the spotlight on 8 real-life women achievers who have managed to break the glass ceiling in various fields while draped in a saree. This initiative aims to highlight the fact that there is nothing a woman in a saree cannot do.
-
Banarasi Motifs: The Embodiment of Timeless Elegance
Read moreEach saree has its own unique story to tell, and its motifs act as the storytellers. The Banarasi weaving pattern is one of the most unique and loved saree designs in India. The patterns always tell you about the tale of the craft and the history of the respective weaving gharanas.
Much like the rich cultural heritage of the temple city of Benaras, the Banarasi weave remains a timeless work of art in sarees. Today, we are going to look at some amazing Banarasi motifs and patterns, including the beautiful stories behind them.
Banarasi Motifs to Adorn Your Wardrobe
Banarasi sarees are one of the most celebrated pieces of clothing in the world. From little functions to the grandest weddings, each occasion in Indian households is incomplete without women’s dazzling Banarasi sarees. One of the major reasons why these sarees are so famous is the Banarasi motifs, with the rich gold and silver zari work.
The designs and patterns of Banarasi motifs are said to have accumulated over time by weavers and artisans who settled in Benaras from different places in the country. The Mughal rulers were said to be quite fond of these weaves, and it is under their patronage that this art form is considered to have flourished.
Here is a look at these outstanding patterns:
Paisley or Buto
The paisley motif is rich in symbolic and spiritual meaning. The paisley usually signifies the time of harvest in India, a time of socio-economic significance. This particular motif was earlier made for the King of India for crowns or court garments. Apart from the Banarasi sarees, the paisley motif is widely used in beautiful Kanchipuram sarees, Buttidar Baluchari sarees, and Dhakai Jamdanis.
Floral Jaal
It is the most loved and cherished Banarasi motif for sarees. These floral and leafy patterns have ruled millions of hearts across the world for years. The introduction of florals in Banarasi sarees dates back to the 17th century, when silk weavers from Gujarat resettled in the region. Yet, the real use of these floral Banarasi motifs on clothing happened in the Mughal era, which also had a huge impact on the Banarasi weaving industry.
Mangaai / Mankolamaam / Kaccha Mango Motif
Mango is considered an auspicious fruit and plays a prominent place in Indian mythology. Famous Kings of India like Akbar and Jahangir have patronized the arts associated with this fruit and used the mango motif in their jewels, palaces, and even dresses.
This Banarasi motif design has become highly popular and is currently one of the most widely used designs in saree weaving. The mango motif has conquered its place in the Banarasi weaving industry as a symbol of prosperity, abundance, and richness.
Bel Buti
Also called the creeping vine motif, this particular pattern is said to have originated in Persia. Later, the Mughals adopted this Banarasi motif for their dresses. Its thin, leafy, curvy stems are often embellished with flowers, buds, and fruits. These beautiful patterns have inspired weavers to create incredible patterns on Banarasi sarees. Thus, Buti is a famous floral motif found in sarees that is truly artistic.
These stunning bel butta motifs can be either big or small. So, the Banarasi weavers create geometrical patterns across the saree using the same patterns. They also use multiple hues on the clothing that give the bel butta patterns a new gaze.
Floral Butta
The floral butta motif is one of the oldest and most appreciated designs among weavers. These Banarasi motifs are intrinsically placed throughout the whole saree to ensure a stunning and eye-catching creation. The buttas of these motifs can be woven with either a golden or silver zari.
A few weavers also prefer using colorful threads to contrast the saree’s base. The red Banarasi saree is an exceptional illustration of this particular motif. These sarees are ornamented with floral butta motifs, which gives them a mystical charm.
Jangla
These Banarasi motifs are considered among the oldest designs ever crafted on beautiful sarees. These special motifs replicate the Jagala vegetation, which is richly decorated throughout the six yards. Its difference from Floral Jaal lies in the use of leaves, branches, and creepers, while floral jaal predominantly displays flowers.
For the uninitiated, the word “jangla” implies “jungle,” which is also depicted throughout the saree through intricate patterns. These unique motifs are said to exude a sense of happiness, luxury, and unrivaled elegance.
Shikargarh
These Banarasi motifs precisely portray hunting scenes. The origin of this kind of design is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in Persia. The Shikargah designs feature elements showcasing themes of animals, forests, and hunting. They also display figures of humans, birds, and animals. The hunting patterns often bring out the saree’s elegance like nothing else.
Final Thoughts
The magnificence of Banarasi motifs cannot be compared or even replicated in any other weave in the world. These pristine-looking motifs are often made using one of the three weaving techniques: cutwork, brocade, or Kadhwa. You can find various floral motifs, Shikargah motifs, buttis, and other patterns when searching for such motifs and patterns that entice you with their distinguished appeal and impeccable craftsmanship. You can visit Kankatala anytime if Banarasi motifs in sarees entice you. Get the best quality sarees at the most affordable prices only on this platform.
-
Know Everything Kalamkari Sarees and its Divine Motifs
Read moreKalamkari sarees are embraced for their captivating fusion of tradition, art, and sophisticated designs. It boasts hand-crafted patterns with motifs such as the tree of life, flowers, gods, goddesses, scenes, animals and birds influenced by ancient Indian mythology. This article will enlighten you on the rich cultural significance of Kalamkari saree and its gorgeous motifs.
Kalamkari Sarees: Origin and Distinct Motifs
The Srikalahasti and Masulipatnam in Andhra Pradesh are the birthplaces of the exquisite pattern and grace of the Kalamkari saree. The Persian terms Kalam and Kari, which signify pen and craftsmanship, respectively, were combined to create the name Kalamkari. Two captivating methods that distinguish Kalamkari art are Machilipatnam (block printing) and Srikalahasti (hand painting). Its intricate pattern on cotton, silk, and other weaves, dyed with natural colours, boasts unique charm and mythological symbolism.
Machilipatnam’s artisans illustrated mythological tales on a large canvas with dyes extracted from plants. The Mughals referred to these artists as “Qualamkars”, giving rise to the term “Kalamkari”. This exceptional hand-crafted art reflecting the mythos soon spread across various regions of Andhra Pradesh. The most loved Kalamkari motifs are:
- Floral Motifs: Floral and nature-inspired motifs are the highlight of Kalamkari Sarees. The unique and ancient-style patterns of blossoming flowers, leaves, vines, paisley, and lotuses are printed or painted on Kalamkari, exhibiting a mesmerising tapestry of colours and shapes. These kalamkari motifs honour the grace and symbolism of nature. It symbolises growth, harmony, and abundance.
The exquisite detailing of these motifs adds to the ever-rising appeal of a Kalamkari saree. Though these natural motifs are associated with auspicious occasions, kalamkari sarees are also adorned at casual events or gatherings nowadays because they infuse elegance that complements every occasion.
- Animal and Bird Motifs: Some of the most popular kalamkari motifs feature various animals and birds, such as peacocks, elephants, tigers, and deer. The majestic peacock motif in Kalamkari stands for grace, spirituality, and prosperity in Indian culture.
It’s vibrant feathers and fascinating presence add an inexplicable elegance to the fabric. The patterns resembling horses, elephants, and tigers suggest ancient history, rich heritage, and royal valour.
- Divine Characters: Since Kalamkari art was inspired by Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, its motifs also incorporate the depiction of divine characters. Kalamkari motifs, featuring the divine figures, capture scenes from epics and mythos.
Its mesmerising artwork features Krishna Raas-Leela, Parvati, Vishnu, Shri Jagannath, and scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These divine motifs add spiritual charm to Kalamkari sarees and retain the rich ancient past through art. The depiction of divine figures is believed to bestow blessings and protection upon the wearer.
- Tree of Life: The Tree of Life symbol is famous in clothing, jewellery, and decor across the various regions of the globe. It is more than just a fascinating design as it carries spiritual significance. It is one of the most common and admired motifs in Kalamkari, symbolising interconnectedness, growth, and renewal.
The Tree of Life is believed to be connecting the heavens, earth and the world beneath the surface of earth. Additionally, its vast significance is also attached to nourishment and care.
- Geometric patterns: Besides divine figures, ancient history, and natural motifs, Kalamkari sarees also infuse geometric patterns and abstract designs. These motifs boast appealing symmetry, precision, and a modern twist to traditional art. It forms a connection between contemporary styles and age-old traditions.
The Extensive Efforts Involved in Crafting Kalamkari Sarees
The making process of Kalamkari motifs is extensive yet worth the effort. It involves months of effort, passion for traditional art, and unparalleled expertise to do justice to the depth and complexity of Kalamkari art. The process begins with the selection of the fabric, typically cotton or silk. The fabric is then washed and treated to remove impurities.
Natural dyes extracted from plants and vegetables give it a vibrant colour and unique texture. A certain gap between the dying and printing process further escalates the making of Kalamkari sarees. Once dyes are perfectly infused in the fabric, the artisan proceeds with hand-painting or block-printing the design.
Only artisans with years of experience and excellent skill can give the perfect finishing and detailing to Kalamkari motifs. To outline the motifs, a fine-tipped brush or a wooden block with ink is used. Once the outline is completed, the colours are filled in. Next, the saree is dried in the sun to set the colours and natural texture. Once dried well, the fabric is washed again to remove excess pigment.
Find at Best Kalamkari Sarees at Kankatala
The Kalamkari motifs honour the enduring legacy of Indian traditional art and creativity. Its natural colours, spiritual motifs, and artistic process celebrate the rich tradition, culture, and artistry. Symbolising growth, harmony, protection, and diving charm, each Kalamkari saree tells a story passed through generations. If you are looking for the finest Kalamkari sarees in the best patterns and colours, Kankatala is a platform you can trust. Check out our website to explore the best range of Kalamkari sarees.
References
Our Values
Authentic Handlooms
Legacy since 1943
Handpicked By Kankatala Family
Weaves from across India
