10 WAYS TO DIFFERENTIATE BANARASI SAREE VS KANJIVARAM SAREE

Silk sarees will always hold a special place in people’s hearts. We all adore silk sarees and have a large collection of them. Silk sarees bring a touch of elegance to your clothing, and you’ll be glad you bought one. 

A single silk saree may carry the grace, elegance, culture, sophistication, and tradition of ten western garments. There are many types of silk sarees available in the market but the most popular of them are Banarasi silk sarees and Kanjivaram silk sarees.

Banarasi sarees will always have a special place in everyone’s hearts. Banarasi sarees, originally designed for royalty, have evolved to suit modern Indian women. Because both are made of silk, pure banarasi silk sarees are frequently confused with pure kanjivaram silk sarees.

What are Banarasi Silk Sarees?

The origin of Banarasi sarees dates back to the Mughal era when it became popular and has been passed on to the modern generations. Banarasi sarees are made in Banaras, the hub of weavers. 

Mughal culture has inspired the designs of Banarasi sarees. Weavers employ golden and silver zari to weave floral and themed designs known as Kalga or Bel.

Red & Maroon Ethnic Handloom Banarasi Katan Silk Saree

The meticulous detailing takes so long that a Banarasi saree might take anything from fifteen days to six months to complete.

The fabric possibilities in Banarasi brides sarees include Katan or pure silk, modern Shattir, Organza, Georgette, Jangla, Butidar, Tanchoi, Cutwork, and Tissue. Choose one of these regal occasions to make your wedding day stand out from the rest.

Teal Blue Sonarupa Handloom Banarasi Silk Saree

What are Kanjivaram Silk Sarees?

Kanjivaram has its origins in Kancheepuram, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. While Kanjivaram sarees are also weaved from silk, they differ from banarasi sarees in terms of detailing. Golden threads are used for elaborate decoration in Kanjivaram sarees.

Kanjivaram sarees are also known as Kanchipuram sarees because of their hometown. Kanjivaram, Kanchipuram, and Kanchi Pattu sarees are all variations of the same saree.

Kanjivaram sarees, another Shaadi wear saree, is made out of several fabrics and adorned with various motifs. Kanjivaram sarees are made of pure Mulberry silk, making them a popular choice among Indian brides.

Traditional temple designs, simple Kanjivaram with gold border, and floral weave motifs also feature Kanjivaram sarees. You can also choose between classic and modern silk sarees in addition to these.

How do you differentiate between banarasi silk sarees and kanjivaram silk sarees?

Banarasi and Kanjivaram are two of India’s finest silk sarees, both of which are popular worldwide. Apart from Indian brides, their appeal has no bounds. As previously stated, individuals from all over the world want such a print to add to their wardrobe.

Here is an expert checklist from Chinaya Banaras to differentiate between the Banarasi silk sarees and pure Kanjivaram silk sarees. It will make it easier for you to select the best wedding saree.

1. Origin of the sarees

The most basic distinction between the sarees lies in their origins and their derived names. 

Kanjivaram sarees are from the Kanchipuram village in the Tamil Nadu state and belong to the South Indian region.

Banaras, the silk weavers’ heartland, produces pure Banarasi sarees. Banarasi sarees are synonymous with the North Indian region of India.

A picture of Banaras: the hub of weavers

2. Use of Fabric

Kanjivaram saree is a saree from South India woven entirely of mulberry silk thread. It has a pinti, the joint between the pallu and the body. 

Banarasi sarees are created in the Banaras region of India and are made of intricately woven silk. They come in light hues and have a narrow fringe pattern on the outer and inner border known as Jhhalar.

3. Design of the sarees

An amazing Zari-work weaves out the floral motifs and flora on this Banarasi saree. Kanjivaram silk sarees, on the other hand, include elaborate structures, motifs, stripes, and checks woven with golden or silver threads. 

A Beige Gold Embellished Banarasi Tissue Silk Saree

Both of these sarees are available in a variety of colors and patterns. You can choose between the grandeur of Banarasi motifs and palettes and the cultural treasure trove of Kanjivaram sarees.

4. Price of the sarees

Whether it’s a Kanjivaram or a Banarasi saree, the artisans dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to each piece of art. As a result of such enormous devotion, costs have shifted somewhat higher in the price range.

But how much do Kanjivaram and Banarasi sarees cost? A Kanjivaram masterpiece can cost anywhere between Rs. 2500 and Rs. 50,000, or even more, while a Banarasi saree might cost anywhere between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 70,000. So, before choosing one of these lovely sarees, decide on a saree budget.

5. Hues of the sarees

Banarasi sarees are available in hues ranging from light yellow to dark red to make your look more glamorous. 

Bright Red Handloom Banarasi Silk Saree

Kanjivaram sarees come in light hues such as ash grey, beige, etc., to make a soothing impact on your wardrobe.

6. Artwork in the sarees

The majority of Kanjivaram saree designs are inspired by natural elements like foliage, birds, and animals, as well as historical events such as the Mahabharata or Ramayana and religious structures. Wide contrast borders and patterns such as checks, stripes, and floral can be found on these sarees.

The majority of the patterns on a banarasi saree are based on Mughal paintings, such as floral and foliate themes, kalga and bel, a string of vertical leaves that runs around the outside edge of the border.

7. Area of manufacturing

While pure Kanjivaram sarees are manufactured in the Kanchipuram village of Tamil Nadu state, authentic banarasi sarees are found in the state of Varanasi in North India.

8. Varieties of Sarees

There are different types of Kanjivaram sarees available in the market like Temple border kanjivaram saree, kanjivaram saree with silk border, floral weave kanjivaram silk saree, etc.

There are different forms of banarasi sarees. Banarasi organza silk saree, tanchoi banarasi silk saree, banarasi tussar silk saree, banarasi georgette saree, etc., are some of them.

9. Process of making silk threads

Zari threads are unique for each kind of saree. Kanjivaram Zari threads are manufactured by winding red silk and silver threads together and immersing them in molten gold. Gold wires are rolled around silk threads and flattened using a machine in the case of Banarasi Sarees.

10. Quality of silk

Kanjivaram silk is much thicker than other silks, and as a result, the thicker the silk, the higher the quality.

Banarasi silk is known to be fine and durable silk. Due to this, the banarasi sarees have been passed on from generation to generation.

While there are considerable variations between Banarasi silk sarees and Kanjivaram silk sarees, these sarees have remained the most popular choice of brides for their bridal sarees. Chinaya Banaras has some of the most exquisite banarasi silk sarees to help you make your wedding day even more memorable.

So, ladies, grab your magnificent traditional dress, accessorize it religiously, and look stunning on your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day.

FAQ 1: What is the origin of Banarasi sarees?

The rich textile first footprints of Banarasi Sarees can be traced back to the 14th century during the Mughal era when the art of weaving through silks was first introduced. But the remarkable popularity Banarasi sarees gained was in the early 16th century when the silk weavers migrated from Gujarat, they started silk brocade weaving, and blending zari textiles in the Banarasi silk weaving styles. However, the excellence of these techniques was obtained by weavers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

 

FAQ 2: What fabric is used in Kanjivaram sarees?

One of the oldest and most popular among women, Kanjivaram Sarees, has its unique crown in the Saree fashion. Originating in the 7th century, Kanjivaram Silk Sarees are known for their vibrant colors, soft fabric, and pure metal designs. The fabric used in these sarees is pure mulberry silk yarn and the original gold zari used in them is a proportional mixture of pure silver, copper, silk, and gold respectively. The use of such valuable metals in the weaving makes Kanjivaram pure sarees an expensive range of sarees.

 

FAQ 3: What kind of designs do Kanjivaram sarees typically have?

Kanjivaram or Kanchipuram Sarees, originated from the small town of Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu, and often features motifs and design patterns that are directly inspired by the mythology. Mythological-inspired motifs like Mayil(peacock), Yaali( a mythological creature with a lion’s body and elephant's teeth and trunk), Ganda Perunda( a two-headed bird known as a form of Lord Vishnu), and many more. Kanjivaram Sarees are also crafted with artisanal mastery of classical traditional motifs like floral patterns of jasmine buds, mango leaf motifs, etc, these sarees often feature temple architecture motifs like Gopuram (entrance gateway of south Indian temple architecture), etc. Kanjivaram sarees also carry zari works on their craftsmanship which is generally made with pure metals like silver copper and gold in a proportional mixture.

FAQ 4: What colors are typically used in Banarasi & Kanjivaram Sarees?

Despite being very different from each other, Banarasi Sarees and Kanjivaram Sarees also align themselves similarly to each other in some things. And when it comes to the use of colors on the canvas of Banarasi & Kanjivaram sarees, they have a lot of the same choices of colors. Different colors of these sarees play a major role in the sentiments of women as wearing them justifies their cultural, spiritual, and ritual customs and beliefs. Red as a symbol of love and compassion, often gets used by brides in weddings. Green sarees symbolize nature and often get used in the monsoon festivals as justification for positiveness and freshness. Red and Green are also loved colors for women who prefer Banarasi Sarees. Similarly, the most popular shades for Kanjivaram Sarees are maroon, royal blue, emerald green, purple, pink, golden, and silver. These colors are known as classical combinations of Kanjivaram sarees, been used on canvas for centuries.  

 

FAQ 5: What is special about Kanjivaram Sarees?

Kanjivaram Sarees, Being one of the oldest categories of sarees in the fashion world, haven’t lost their unique identity ever. It is a traditional creation of saree from the town of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Known for their lush textures, intricate patterns, and bright colors, Kanjivaram sarees are considered one of the elite choices for shoppers. Woven from pure mulberry silk, Kanjivaram sarees are one of the most luxurious and durable. The design and motifs of Kanjivaram sarees are always inspired by mythological and religious things, which marks them as auspicious for occasions in the minds of shoppers.

FAQ 6: Why is Kanjivaram so expensive?

We can say that Kanjivaram is the most expensive sarees among the varieties of sarees in India.  One of the major reasons these sarees are high-cost is because of their zari work, Kanjivaram Zari craftsmanship is done with pure metals like silver, copper, and gold proportional mixture, which makes it exclusive and costs more than other sarees. The use of unmixed mulberry silk and other high-quality materials, labor-intensive weaving, and dedication to details with limited supply can be counted as another reason for Kanjivaram's exclusivity.

 

FAQ 6: How to identify a real Kanjivaram Saree?

Because of the evolution of power looms and other machinery looms, copies and fake Kanjivaram sarees have become common in the market, Advancements in printing technologies have made it difficult for shoppers like you to figure out whether the sarees you're purchasing are real Kanjivaram or not. Although Identifying a real Kanjivaram saree is not that hard, you just need to keep some points in mind and do some quick tests to know it. Like, look for the silk mark symbol tagged on the saree - The Silk Mark Organization of India certifies textiles that are made of pure silk, Real Kanjivaram sarees have that symbol tagged on them which certifies they are pure. More you can do is examine the saree with a ring test, as you know Kanjivarams are made from Mulberry silks which have a very smooth-to-feel texture, so the saree should be able to slide from that ring. Take any finger ring and slide the whole saree throughout that ring. If it does pass out the ring it is a pure Kanjivaram saree. 

Last but not least you can look for a red thread in the zari. Throughout the gold zari on the saree gently scratch it with your fingernail anywhere and look for a red thread underneath. True Kanjivaram sarees will have red thread beneath their zari weaving but the fake ones generally carry white threads underneath.