Madurai Cotton

In the late 16th century, Saurashtrian craftsmen from Gujarat settled in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. They enriched the arts and crafts of the Madurai region and established a rich culture of fine weaving. Today, Madurai is known for its cotton textiles, which are of fine quality and durability.

Madurai is located in the textile valley of Tamil Nadu and exports cotton around the world. The Madurai cotton saris are made of high quality cotton. It is distinguishably light in weight and woven in vibrant colors with a prominent border. This cotton sari is heavily starched, giving it a crisp fall.

The confluence of cultures and patronage from the Naikar rulers of Madurai created a unique weaving tradition.

Related Weaves

Himroo Silk

Himroo is made on a throw-shuttle loom using cotton in the warp and silk in the weft.

Bangalar Tant

Born in the 15th century in the village of Shantipur in the Nadia district of West Bengal, the Bangalar Tant saris have seen India from the Mughal reign through the colonial times and survived it all despite attempts at suppression by the British.

Benarasi Organza

Organza is an age-old fabric that is traditionally made from silk. Its origin can be traced back to the times of the Silk Route, and today China and India remain its largest producers and exporters. The Indian equivalent of organza is Kora silk, which comes from Benaras. Technically “kora” means untreated, undyed silk fabric but in consumer terms it is simply known as “organza”. Often coupled with zari threads, Kora silk saris make for the perfect occasion wear in Indian traditional styles.

Mallapanur silk

Mallapanur silk saris are known for their fineness and softness. Located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, Mallapanur village is a part of the sari weaving belt of the region.