Indian literature is a vast and diverse landscape. It always reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. One evident aspect which resonates through the pages of these literary works is the realistic representation of women characters draped in the classic refinement of sarees. Saree is an essential Indian outfit. It not just adds aesthetic charm and elegance to an Indian woman’s appearance, rather, this Indian outfit symbolises tradition, rich culture, heritage, identity and womanhood. Indian sarees are a six yards of pure grace and the distinct features which they carry with themselves is absent in other outfits across the world. In this article we shall be looking into the different types of sarees that women characters in Indian literature wear, these sarees weave the narrative of these female characters, depict their personality and contribute to the tapestry of cultural and ethnic diversity.
These are the traditional sarees which are timeless and classic in their own way. These traditional sarees from India never go out of trend and narrate not just the story of Indian female characters from the literary texts, but also the ordinary women of the country, and the places from where they have originated. In this era of digitalisation, you can easily get these sarees from different websites and online stores as well. Like A Diva is one such website where you get not just sarees, but other Indian dresses online for different occasions.
Let us now have a look at some of the sarees well depicted in Indian literature.
Banarasi silk sarees
Banarasi silk sarees are known for their grace and opulence. This saree finds its way into the realms of Indian literature when characters adorn this beautiful saree during significant life events. Banarasi silk saree not just depicts timeless and classic beauty, but also symbolises the rich Indian tradition when Indian female characters from literature wear it on a wedding ceremony, an important event, or a festive celebration, or a, In the Indian literature,the Banarasi Silk saree is used as a metaphor for the stability and continuity of cultural values through generations in India.
Kanjivaram sarees
Kanjivaram silk sarees hail from the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This saree from the state of Tamil Nadu is known for its vibrant colours and intricate zari designs. When it comes to Indian literature, one will find women from noble families wearing this saree gracefully, thus, a Kanjivaram silk saree embodies a sense of royalty and heritage. The writers use it as a narrative device, reflecting the social status of the character and the affluence and lavishness of her cultural background.
Bandhani sarees
Bandhani sarees are set against the colourful and vibrant backdrop of Rajasthan. This saree is an embodiment of the lively spirit and richness of the region. Women often wear this during festivities and celebrations. Writers depict this saree as a symbol of love, joy and the imperishable bond of traditions in their literary works. The female characters in the literary works wear Bandhani sarees to exude a sense of buoyancy, adding a splash of sparkle to the narrative.
Sambalpuri sarees
Sambalpuri sarees hail from the eastern state of Odisha. These sarees depict the tradition and artistry of the region. Writers often focus on the rural narratives and female characters from these narratives are often found to be wearing a Sambalpuri saree. Sambalpuri saree is a symbol of simplicity. It connects the wearer to the roots of her tradition, culture and heritage. In the literary works, this saree acts as a thread which binds the female character to her culture and heritage and depicts her inexorable ties to the soil.
Summing up
In the tapestry of Indian literature which is vast and diverse, the saree is a powerful symbol. It reflects not just the rich and diverse culture and heritage of the nation. But also the multifaceted roles played by Indian women in general. Each type of saree comes with its own narrative, weaving stories which bind the tradition, culture, celebration, resilience and everyday life together. Although other outfits, such as, a readymade salwar kameez and alike have a vital role to play in a woman’s life. Yet saree symbolises the identity and the role of a woman in the Indian society. As we flip the pages of these literary works. the saree unveils itself not just as a garment or a fabric but as a live emblem of the journey of an Indian woman through diverse culture and tradition.
