From historical times to now, Banarasi Saree lives in the heart of Indian women for their cultured importance and intrinsic patterns. They are indeed the best outcome of the innovation and craftsmanship of weavers. Nowadays, the modern touch in the heavy Banarasi Saree is gaining all the attention of saree lovers. If you are already a lover of the Banarasi saree, then you must already be aware of all the designs and weaving techniques that are used in creating these jaw-dropping sarees.
Out of all the eclectic designs and patterns, the Shikargah designs stay on top! People often consider Shikargah as a weaving technique, but this iconic pattern comes under a group of designs depicting a hunting scene on silk. There is very less evidence as to when these designs came into the picture of Banarasi Saree. But it is believed that they must be originated from the British Raj when hunting was of great importance. In this blog, we are going to learn all about the intrinsic Shikargah designs and how they are admired by every woman out there!
[Read History of Banarasi Saree]
What are Shikargah Designs?
Shikargah Designs are the most sought-after designs to have in a Banarasi Saree. The iconic hunting scene showcasing men, animals, birds, flora and fauna with exquisite zari vines gives the viewer a pleasing sight to watch. These designs are one of the top speciality of Banarasi handloom as they are crafted using intricate handweaving techniques. The design gained immense popularity when the Persian weavers added their touch of craftsmanship to it.
These immaculate designs are drawn into your Banarasi sarees using many weaving techniques like Kadhwa, Kadiyal, Cutwork and Meenakari. However, crafting Shikargah motifs takes a lot of time as it is a complex process that requires the skills of several artisans. However, the result is a beautiful and intricately designed saree that is highly prized by women in India and around the world.
[Read about Meenakari And Banarasi Weave: An Exceptional Masterpiece]
History of Shikargah Design
Shikargah designs are the reflection of a cultured hunting scene on the silk of Banarasi sarees. Crafting these designer sarees is labour-intensive and time-consuming. There is no exact evidence as to when these designs were introduced in Banarasi sarees, but most people believe that they came from British rule. However, one can find hunting designs used an eclectic arts and crafts scenery of India even before the Mughal era. Therefore it is hard to define the exact origin and timeline of the rise of Shikargah designs.
Some people also believe that Shikargah designs originated in Persia as the design gained popularity during the Persian migration to India. They brought intricate arts and craftsmanship and gave a new perspective to the weavers of India. With time, these designs also evolved over time taking inspiration from various countries and cultures.
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How are Shikargah designs created on Banarasi Sarees?
Shikargah designs are usually created using a combination of hand weaving and embroidery techniques. The time-taking process requires collective efforts from weavers to get it perfect the first time. Here's how it is typically done:
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Designing: The first step in creating a Banarasi saree with a Shikargah design is to create a design that incorporates hunting scenes and motifs. This design is typically drawn on paper first and then transferred onto graph paper to create a weaving pattern.
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Selecting the fabric: The next step is to choose the fabric for the saree. Banarasi sarees are usually made of silk, and the type of silk used can vary depending on the desired finish and quality.
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Preparing the loom: The warp (lengthwise threads) and weft (crosswise threads) threads are then stretched on the loom. This process can take several days to complete, and the loom must be set up carefully to ensure that the threads are evenly placed.
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Weaving: The actual weaving process begins by interlacing the warp and weft threads according to the pattern created before. The weaver will use a shuttle to pass the weft thread through the warp threads, creating the desired design.
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Embroidery: Once the weaving is complete, the saree is handed over to an embroidery artisan. The artisan will add additional detailing to the banarasi saree using various embroidery techniques such as zari, dabka and gota.
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Finishing: The final step is to finish the saree, which involves cutting it to the desired length, hemming the edges, and adding any additional embellishments such as tassels or borders.
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What makes Shikargah design so preferable on a Banarasi Saree?
A Shikargah design on a Banrasi saree makes it look appealing and sumptuous. Not just that, these designer Banarasi sarees are available in vibrant colours that make them look festive to the core. Here are all the reasons why Shikargah sarees are gaining popularity even today-
Cultural significance
Shikargah designs honour the cultural heritage of people engaged in hunting. These hunting scenes and motifs have been a part of Indian culture for centuries, and the use of these motifs on sarees can be traced back to the Mughal era.
Trendy Aesthetics
Shikargah designs are beautiful and intricate, with various animals, birds, and trees depicted in rich colours and textures. The use of gold and silver zari in Banarasi sarees further enhances the beauty of the designs and adds to their appeal.
Symbolism
Shikargah designs are often associated with royalty, power, and strength, as hunting was traditionally a pastime of the ruling classes like the British and Mughals. Wearing a Banarasi saree with a Shikargah design can be seen as a symbol of status and elegance.
Versatility
Banarasi sarees with Shikargah designs are versatile and can be worn on different occasions, from weddings and formal events to more casual gatherings. The designs are timeless and never go out of style, making these sarees a valuable addition to any wardrobe.
In a Nutshell
Out of many designs ruling on the Banarasi sarees, the Shikargah design stays on top for its royalty and classy touch! These designs showcase the iconic hunting scene from earlier times. This design takes many days to complete as it is wholly a labor-intensive craft. It is believed that Shikargah sarees originated from the time when Persian migrated to India. This intricate design is cultured, versatile, and aesthetic to the core! Make sure to drape this hunting beauty and mesmerize the people around you! If you are thinking of buying Shikargah Banarasi Saree, you can contact Albeli, they are a popular banarasi manufacturer in Banaras. You can also visit their Banarasi saree shop in Varanasi, they have mind-blowing collections in vibrant colours and designs.
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