Chanderi: The Sheer, Zari-Bordered Weave of Madhya Pradesh
Woven near the Betwa river, Chanderi is prized for its glossy, near-transparent texture and its fine gold zari borders.
Chanderi is a handwoven textile from the town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, near the Betwa river. It is known for a glossy, lightweight and often near-transparent texture, and for the fine gold zari that borders many Chanderi saris.
Materials
Chanderi is produced in three broad varieties: pure silk, Chanderi cotton, and a silk-cotton blend. This range is part of why the cloth can feel at once airy and lustrous.
Patronage and motifs
The weave drew royal patronage historically, and its borders and butis (small motifs) are among its most recognisable features. Chanderi is registered as a Geographical Indication of Madhya Pradesh.
Sources
This article draws only on the references below. Please consult them for further detail.
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