Saris: Tradition and Beyond

Saris: Tradition and Beyond, the most comprehensive exploration of this remarkable unstitched garment, returns in a revised and expanded edition. Travelling district by district, village by village, the book explores an entire spectrum of traditional weaver and printer settlements in 16 sari-producing states of India. It examines the many identities of the people – geographical, social, cultural and economical – in relation to how they wear the sari. The sari is the most representative apparel of India that has intrigued men and tempted women all over the world. Worn in a variety of ways, it is a fabric-length of varying densities in its body, borders, and end-pieces often woven by combining a range of cottons and silks in colours and patterns that are constantly evolving. Produced after years of research, this book illustrates the vibrancy and splendour of this age–old garment through extensive documentation and stunning photographs. A vivid account of how saris come into being for the lay reader and the specialist, who will find this book equally engaging.…