Pochampally or Pochampalli Silk
Pochampally Silk Saree
Pochampally or Pochampalli Silk is a type of silk originating from the town of Boodhan Pochampally, located in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The town is popularly known as the silk city of India. Pochampalli Silk sarees are culturally popular for the Ikat styling and designs imprinted on this fabric. These Ikat patterns are intrinsically woven onto the fabric in geometrical designs ensuring that the entire look spreads a mesmerizing essence to the wearer as well as to the onlooker.
Origin and History
This aesthetic artwork traces its origin to the 18th century, the era which witnessed the mystic beauty of this fabric emerging out of the Pochampally town. This town had 80 villages under its wing, which initiated this artwork with traditional looms.
However, in the 1970s the panel of headmen of Pochampally decided to blend the essence of cotton and silk together by weaving them together to upscale their living conditions. This weaving journey took the skilled weavers of the Pochampally town to Bangalore, and thus marked the beginning of this popular artwork, which floored millions across the world.
Style
Pochampalli silk is all about getting the intricate motifs and designs imprinted onto the fabric through the smoothest and finest thread-work of cotton and silk. The geometrically patterned designs are colored onto the weft and warp threads and are artistically woven into the Pochampalli fabric. The essence of the fabric consists of a unique concoction of sico, silk and cotton. Natural elements and sources are taken into the manufacturing process of these saris.
Bollywood Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in a Pochampally Saree
Influences Over the Years
This traditional handloom village of Pochampally, which originally marked its popular existence in the world of silk right from the 18th century, having a mere count of 80 villages under its territory of weavers, has now become a talented pool of creativity and innovation with over ten thousand weaving families. By 1999, the manufacturing of this fabric became all the more maker friendly, cost effective, time saving and less effortful procedure, with the introduction of machines and other automated equipments on the run. With this emergence, the dyeing and weaving process of this pochampalli silk fabric became easier, convenient as well as enhanced the outcome of the weaving process.
Innovations
In today’s new day and age, designs, motifs and patterns have climbed up the ladder of advancement, as the new age fashion designers are designing these fabrics keeping in mind the changing fashion tastes of the fast track generations. The older and the newer generations of skilled weavers are keeping foot with the advanced consumers and hence have patronized their artwork onto other cloth items like bed sheets, bedcovers, telia rumals, dress materials, cushion covers, bags, potlis and many more adding to the creative list. Varieties of products are being imprinted by this embroidered fabric by the women weavers. In this way this cotton silk blended fabric has been touched by the wand of innovation and transformation, thus by adding more glamor to the entire look.
Global Influences
Owing to the qualities of comfort, elegance, and convenience in all seasons, as well as the designs and motifs artistically weaved in this fabric, is accepted and preferred by majority of the people across the globe. International cloth markets have also embraced its presence and witnessed its gaining popularity among all generations, be it the young and the old.
Wearing the Attire
Bridal jewelry which consists of gold plated designs, studded with precious stones and pearls complements the Pochampally Silk attires the best.
Suitability
Pochampalli silk saris are light-weight & comfortable. Hence it is a great fabric to be worn in summers.
Silk being the major component of a Pochampally Saree, it makes for a great pick for ceremonial occasions like a wedding or festival.
Interesting Facts and Comparisons
Cotton saris, as well as saris of different silk fabrics like tussar silk, khadi silk, etc, stand as competitors to Pochampalli silk saris. However the comfort factor it provides as well as the ethnicity that it showcases, makes it stand apart from the rest.
References
Categories: Textiles