What is a Jamdani Saree & How To Identify An Authentic Handloom Jamdani Saree

What Is Jamdani Saree?

See the Ek Dori Jamdani Saree Collection

Jamdani sarees are sarees created using the Jamdani weaving technique that involves creating elaborate floral, geometric, and abstract motifs on a delicate cotton muslin, linen, or silk substrate.

What is a Jamdani Saree?

The art of Jamdani dates as far back as the Mughal dynasty and the rule of Jehangir. Sulaiman, a 9th-century Arab traveller, wrote of cotton fabrics made in the kingdom of Rahmi (undivided Bengal) which were so fine they could pass through a signet ring.

Around the 12th century the fine fabrics woven in Bengal were infused with Arab influences and elaborate motifs. These motifs were created using a supplemental weft thread that was thicker than the threads used to weave the base fabric. Supplementary weft weaving method creates a design by floating extra wefts over the ground weave, without disturbing the structure of the weave, hence creating beautiful designs that appear to be floating on the saree. Numerous travellers from China and all over the world also mention the intricate and beautiful Jamdani weave in their accounts.

Where are Jamdani sarees made?

Jamdani originated in undivided Bengal. You will find Jamdani weaving clusters in West Bengal, India and in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Even though the art of Jamdani and its origin are the same, there are a few subtle differences in the Dhakai Jamdani and the ones woven in West Bengal. The needles used to pass the extra weft thread through the warp threads is made of different materials and is of different thickness, however the process remains the same. Jamdani textile traditionally is the finest and lightest cotton muslin fabric, these days you can also find Jamdani art on linen and silks.

What is Needle Jamdani?

Various floral and geometric patterns are created on the fine muslin using a slightly thicker thread and a needle, hence it is often referred to as 'Needle Jamdani'. The process creates an overall etherial effect which almost looks like the patterns are floating in the fine cloud of muslin.

How long does it take to weave a Jamdani Saree?

Weaving a jamdani saree is one of the most labour and time intensive method of weaving, however the results created are spectacular to say the least. Traditionally 2 Jamdani weavers work simultaneously on the fabric. The master Jamdani weaver sits on the right while the apprentice sits on his left, together they create magic. A Jamdani saree is a must have piece of art, a collectors item.

How to identify an authentic Jamdani saree?

You will find many Jamdani sarees online, to identify an authentic Jamdani saree observe the back closely, the thread that creates the pattern should make U patterns as it loops back and forth.

Our classic Fun candy coloured Jamdani saree is a traditional handloom muslin cotton needle Jamdani saree. Also weaving a Jamdani saree is extremely difficult and time consuming. This light as a feather white Jamdani saree is truly a masterpiece and a must have in your saree collection.