BALARAMAPURAM SAREES

SUBMITTED TO- Ms. Sobha Rani Lakhra

SUBMITTED BY- Nikita Ratish
Asst.Professor
Nift Bhubaneswar
 ORIGIN

•The history of handloom weaving in Balaramapuram dates back to about 200 years
ago and is associated with the royal family of Travancore

•Seven weaver families belonging to the Saliya community were migrated from
Nagarcoil and Thirunelveli of the present Tamil Nadu.

•They produced super fine 'Mundum Neriyathum’ for the need of the Travancore
royal family.
 EVOLUTION

•The weavers use a primitive type of throw-shuttle pit looms for the production of
exclusively cotton fabrics with pure zari.
•They do not use any type of improved appliances such as Dobby, Jacquard, Jala, etc. for
the production of designs for cloth with extra warp and extra weft.
•No change has so far been taken place in the type of loom or technology of weaving in
producing such varieties.
•The variety known as "Pudava and Kavani" (veshti and upper cloth with pure zari) still
remains as a prestigious bridal gift in marriages.
 SOCIO-CULTURAL CONTEXT

•During the reign of demon king Bali the locals encouraged this form of weaving gold
and cotton to make it a trademark of the people of his kingdom.
• The king would always bless the family that would weave cloth not only for members of
the royal family but also for the gods in our local temples that they patronized.
•When we celebrate Onam, all wear this traditional costume because our great emperor
Bali returns to bless the people of his land and everyone seen in this dress invites
auspiciousness and good luck into their lives.
 PURPOSE

•The Balaramapuram saree weaving is unique as it has identical appearance on the front
and the back, using the special laced weaving.

•The saree is known as “Pudava and Kavani.

•During Onam, the Keralite festival, women of all ages wear the mundum neryathum and
take part in folk dance meant only for women called kaikottikalli.

•The colour for the blouse of the mundum neryathum for this occasion is determined by
the age and marital status of the woman.
 MATERIAL CULTURE

•The speciality of balaramapuram sarees is it’s extra warp and extra weft design
on fine or superfine natural grey cotton yarn.

• Saree is woven with 100’s cotton warps and weft in 88’s.

•Length varies from 5.5m to 6.25 metres.

•The peculiar interlacement structure gives designs in face and back equal
appearance.
WARP AND WEFT
 SPECIALITY OF BALARAMAPURAM SAREES

•Natural colours made out of rice and tapioca are used.

•Best for Kerala's tropical climate (Our ancestors seldom used coloured clothing)
•Looks identical on both sides

• An original handloom sari will have identical designs on both sides

• Its kasavu will have a better glow compared to the fake ones

• The kasavu portion will be thicker

• The fabric would be softer

 PRESENT STATUS

•The prestigious Balaramapuram Sarees has become the first handloom

product in Kerala to receive the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection
through Geographical Indications Act (GI Act).
•Emergence of the Hand painted Kerala sarees.
•The depiction of Vishnu, Krishna, Ganesha are the most popular as are the
lotus motifs and the Krishna Radha paintings.
 REFERENCES

•www.seamstress.co.in

•saree.guide

•www.gulfnews.com

•www.pinterest.com