Maheshwari

Though the practice of weaving in the primordial temple city of Maheshwar dates back to the 5th century, it was popularized in the sovereignty of Maratha ruler Rani Ahilyabai Holkar. Rani Holkar called upon master weavers from Surat, and South India to fashion conventional Nauvari or Maharashtrian-style nine-yard saris, andturbans, giving them as presents to visiting royalty.

The expansion of the local fabric business and turned the Maheshwari saris into a trademark name. In spite of their delicate and simple style, Maheshwari saris radiate charisma, and superiority. Silk yarn is utilized in the warp (tana), and cotton strands in the weft (bana), passing onto the textile a beautiful, silky lustre.

Fabric is light, and easy to wrap, an ideal option for the region’s hot climate. The individuality of Maheshwari saris lie in the weave. The body of the fabric usually has small checks, stripes, or can be plain, whereas the classically striped pallu and border patterns are filled with conventional motifs, or architectural flourishes found in the town’s temples, and monuments.