Maheshwari

Maheshwari Sarees:

The beautiful conception of the Maheshwari Saree dates back to 18th century Madhya Pradesh. These Sarees were first found and produced in the town of Maheshwar. Hence these sarees named Maheshwari Sarees. These Saree were initially made of pure silk but with the passage of time, Cotton was also one of the major fabrics used for this exquisitely designed saree. The interesting legend behind these suits is of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar who ordered various craftsmen and artisans from Malwa and Surat to design a special suit with 9 yards. Which later came to be known as the Maheshwari suit. These sarees were supposed to be a special gift for the royal relatives and guests who visited the palace. The beauty of the Maheshwari saree is that each kind of Suit under this style has a name or a term of its own, which marks its distinctness. The suits are either plain in the center with exquisitely designed borders or have checks and stripes in different variations.

There are 5 major categories

• Baingani
• Chandrakala
• Chandratara
• Beli
• Parbi

The Chandrakala and Baingani Chandrakala are the plain kinds, whereas the Chandratara, Beli and Parbi fall under the striped or checked technique.