Gharcholu (Wedding Sari)
Early 20th century CE
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)
Mumbai, India
The ground of this sari has grid patterns made in jari. Each square of the grid has circular patterns in bandhani with auspicious motifs such as peacock, elephant and geometrical patterns and a peacock in brocade in the centre.
This type of traditional gharcholu sari is worn by Hindu and Jain merchant communities of Gujarat at the time of marriage. It is presented to the bride by her mother-in-law. Gharcholu is woven in very fine silk or cotton and embellished with bandhani (tie and dye). To make bandhani pattern the cloth is tied with thread at several places by pinching it up in a circular pattern. Then the dyeing is done. Gharcholu can be identified with its grid pattern either done in bandhani or jari.
Kutch and Saurashtra are the main centers for this type of work. The Khartis of Jamnagar are famous for the production of fine bandhani saris. Jamnagar was a princely state and the rulers patronised various handicrafts.
- Title: Gharcholu (Wedding Sari)
- Date Created: Early 20th century CE
- Location: India
- Type: Sari
- Medium: Cotton
- Region: Kutch, Gujarat
- History of Style of Technique: Hassel-free days of childhood end quickly and the spring of life commences with youth. As spring brings colour and fragrance the youth also experiences different emotions in life. This is also a stage when a person enters the world of a householder. Marriage initiates the life of a householder. Textiles associated with this new phase of life gain importance. Every religion, region and community has its own textiles associated with marriage ceremonies. Generally the bride wears either a red or yellow costume as red symbolizes hope and a new beginning and yellow symbolizes happiness as well as knowledge. On leaving her maiden world behind, along with sweet memories the bride takes with her heirloom textiles wrapped with blessings and love of her parents and dear ones. Thus traditional textiles are passed on from generation to generation as a symbol of love and care.
- Accession Number: 99.1/2
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