Tant sarees of West Bengal

Tant sarees are another form of handloom sarees from West Bengal. These don't have intricate thread work like Dhakai Jamdani or beuatiful embroideries like Kantha Sarees. But these sarees are very popular because of the bright colors used and unique color combination. 

"Tant", means thread. Tant sarees are hand loom sarees. These are manufactured in West - Bengal of India, especially in Hoogly and Mushirabad area in West Bengal and Tangail region of Bangladesh . 

Tant sarees are woven to create some stripes or motifs. The borders are woven with zari or simple threads.Here are some Tant sarees.

Traditional Tant saree

Traditional Tant saree

History: 

The industry of manufacturing Tant sarees flourished during Mughal era. The Tant weavers started weaving Mughal designs and motifs in the sarees, which  termed as Tant Jamdani. The motif weaving gave richness to the saree.But during the British rule, Tant saree manufacturing was almost destroyed.

Tant saree with motifs

Zari woven border of Tant saree

Zari woven Tant saree

Now the Tant sarees are woven by power-looms. Still the sarees have not lost the beauty and charm.Now the weavers are using different techniques like embroidery , patchwork , hand painting etc to make it more beautiful. Here is a tant saree with applique work:

Tant saree with Applique work

As I know, almost all Bengali women own Tant sarees. Tant sarees are worn during on special occasions in West Bengal. These sarees are very economical and the fabric is comfortable. These factors make Tant sarees very popular.

Love , laugh and live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana

Dhakai Jamdani Sarees- Flowers and vases designs on fine cotton

I have already written some posts under the section Indian Sarees. When it comes to sarees, West Bengal weavers stand apart by their contribution to the weaving of very fine cotton sarees. I love all type of Bengal sarees , may it be simple Bengal cotton or heavily embroidered Kantha sarees . We learn from history that, West Bengal was always famous for its muslin cloth weaving. Dakhai Jamdani sarees is the variation of muslin weaving.The exceptionally skilled weaving and the the blend of dark and light color combination make the dhakai sarees attract saree loving woman. Here is a saree with Blue and White combination:

Origin of Dhakai Saree: 

The name Dhakai comes from the Dhaka city of Bangladesh. The weaving technique is inhibited  from from Bangladeshi weavers , but the design and motifs have the influence of Persian designs. Jam- means flowers and dani means vases. Due to its appeal, this technique of weaving is widely explored by weavers of West Bengal , as the result of this, now we can see many varieties of  Dhakai Jamdani Sarees.

Motifs and designs in Dhakai Jamdani sarees:

Jamdani sarees have floral motifs in Geometrical shapes. Here you can see the red floral motifs woven on white dhakai jamdani saree:

Closer view of motif:

The special technique of interlacing the threads , is used in weaving motifs of Jamdani sarees. Though Jamdani sarees were weaved using cottons, in the Mughal era, weavers started using zari to weave the Dhakai Jamdani sarees.Here is a saree with Zari weaving :

To meet the current fashion trends, jamdani weavers are using new designs and innovation. This effort of the weavers , is making the Jamdani saree, a designer saree, that every saree loving woman wants to have  in her saree collection.

Love , laugh and live the life to the fullest,

-Ranjana