EVERYDAY ELEGANCE
Outlook Traveller|October - November 2024
THE SHANTIPURI TANT IS ON THE VERGE OF BEING LOST TO TIME. BUT HOPE IS ON THE HORIZON
ANURADHA SENGUPTA
EVERYDAY ELEGANCE

THE SHANTIPURI SARI, IN A way, can be compared to today's denim," said Amitra Sudan Saha, revivalist at Ssahaworks Studio. "It was for everyday use. The sari was worn by Brahmo Samaj girls as a customary school and college uniform."

The legendary Shantipuri sari is a centuries-old tant derived from Shantipur in the Nadia district of West Bengal. This ancient handloom industry has been mentioned in manuscripts that glorify the life of Advaita Acharya and Bengali folklore.

A LEGACY LOST

"The traditional art of weaving in Shantipur in Bengal is said to have begun in 1409 AD during the reign of Gaur Ganesh Danu Mardhandev," said Saha. This sari-weaving practice flourished in the late 17th century under the rule of the Nadia king, Rudra Roy, and has continued ever since.

The craft gained prominence during the Mughal-era, when sari production became systematised, leading to their export to countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Arabia, Greece, and Türkiye. The unique quality of Shantipur saris, woven from hand-spun yarn of 200-300s, distinguished them in the market, and they could easily compete with imported Manchester cotton yarn.

THE VOCABULARY OF THE SARI

Bu hikaye Outlook Traveller dergisinin October - November 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Outlook Traveller dergisinin October - November 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

OUTLOOK TRAVELLER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Can The Himalayas Outlast Tourism?
Outlook Traveller

Can The Himalayas Outlast Tourism?

Love The Himalayas, But Worried About Its Future? Hear From Three Experts On The Future Of The Region And How It Can Be Protected

time-read
4 dak  |
October - November 2024
EATING MINDFULLY
Outlook Traveller

EATING MINDFULLY

SUNITA NARAIN FROM THE CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT DISCUSSES HER NEW BOOK WHICH COMBINES THE JOYS OF EATING WITH CARE FOR THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE WHO TILL THEM

time-read
3 dak  |
October - November 2024
The Jewels Of Costa Rica
Outlook Traveller

The Jewels Of Costa Rica

A Long-time Birdwatcher Describes His Travels To The Lush Rainforests Of Costa Rica

time-read
6 dak  |
October - November 2024
WINGED WONDERS
Outlook Traveller

WINGED WONDERS

The story of migrating birds is the story of a promise to return, flying thousands of miles beset with dangers.

time-read
2 dak  |
October - November 2024
THE LOOMINARIES
Outlook Traveller

THE LOOMINARIES

THE ROLE OF THE GREAT REVIVALISTS WHO GAVE INDIA'S TEXTILES A NEW LEASE ON LIFE CANNOT BE STATED ENOUGH. WE TRACE THEIR CELEBRATED LEGACY

time-read
8 dak  |
October - November 2024
KEEPERS OF THE CRAFT
Outlook Traveller

KEEPERS OF THE CRAFT

FROM REVIVING TRADITIONAL WEAVES TO CONTEMPORISING THEM WITH MODERN SILHOUETTES, THESE DESIGNERS ARE COMMITTED TO KEEPING THE LOOM TURNING WITH A FRESH TAKE ON HERITAGE TEXTILES

time-read
8 dak  |
October - November 2024
SONGS OF THE SOIL
Outlook Traveller

SONGS OF THE SOIL

WITH INDIGENOUS TEXTILES FACING THE WRATH OF FAST FASHION AND CLIMATE CHANGE, INDIAN DESIGNERS ARE RALLYING TO REVIVE AND PRESERVE THESE PRECIOUS WEAVES

time-read
3 dak  |
October - November 2024
CRAFT CRUSADER
Outlook Traveller

CRAFT CRUSADER

THROUGH HER TEXTILE EXPLORATIONS ACROSS INDIA, DR PRITHA DASMAHAPATRA HAS BEEN PRESERVING ANCIENT CRAFTS, EMPOWERING ARTISANS, AND INSPIRING TRAVELLERS TO DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF HYPERLOCAL EXPERIENCES

time-read
3 dak  |
October - November 2024
ON THE GRID
Outlook Traveller

ON THE GRID

THE VIBRANT MADRAS CHECKS, NATIVE TO SOUTHEASTERN INDIA, HAS NOT JUST TRANSCENDED BORDERS BUT ALSO TRADITIONS AND STYLES

time-read
4 dak  |
October - November 2024
GOLDEN SILK
Outlook Traveller

GOLDEN SILK

THE PROPERTIES THAT MAKE MUGA SILK UNIQUE COULD SEE IT BEING USED IN THE BIOFUELS AND MEDICINES OF THE FUTURE

time-read
2 dak  |
October - November 2024