DRAPING HERITAGE

Actor Swastika Mukherjee traces the influence of Thakurbari in shaping the sartorial identity of the sari and recreates five looks from the era.

- MALIKA HALDER

Kolkata’s Thakurbari, the ancestral home of the Tagore family, has not only been a cradle of literature, music, and art but also a beacon of fashion. Central to Thakurbari fashion is the quintessential Bengali sari. Jnanadanandini Devi, beloved bard Rabindranath Tagore’s eldest sister-in-law, played a pivotal role in shaping the sartorial identity of the region in the 19th Century. The timeless elegance and cultural depth of Thakurbari’s sartorial choices have transcended generations. Actor Swastika Mukherjee recreates five different looks from that time for Bazaar India.

A NEW SILHOUETTE

The Brahmika sari was originally popularised by Jnanadanandini Devi, wife of Satyendranath Tagore. The style of draping was inspired by the Parsi Gara sari worn by Gujarati and Parsi women. “Tagore family played a pivotal role in the entire fashion scenario of Bengal. Jnanadanandini Devi is one of the pioneers. Sari draping got a whole new identity under her guidance, and the interesting elements are the frills on the blouse and the brooch. I loved recreating this look,” says Mukherjee.

SPANISH SWAY