Kanjivaram

In the old days, around the 15th century, South India emerged as one of the most prestigious crafts. The weaving of Kanchipuram silk. In this contemporary world, we all treasure and cherish our near and dear Kanjivaram silk saree, but the origin and history of Kanjivaram is as fascinating as its weave. 

The origins of Kanjivaram sarees can be traced back to Hindu mythology. It is said that the Kanjivaram Weavers are descendants of the sage Markandeya, who, ages ago, worshipped Lord Shiva and wove cloths from lotus fibre for the deities themselves. Throughout yore, this magnificent weaving practice flourished in view of the fact that royal patronage, from the seventh century onwards, helped the town grow in prominence under the rule of the Pallava dynasty. Kanchipuram was their capital from the sixth century onward.

In the Sangam era, the cotton cloth woven in Kanchipuram was exported to the Roman Empire and was significantly valued. Therefore, Kanchipuram has been renowned for its dual silhouettes, first as the city for its divinity known as a city of thousand temples as well as an important weaving cluster of India for more than 1500 years.