THE STORY OF PATAN PATOLA
Patan Patola is one of the most beautiful form of weaves. Patola has a deep rooted history and is
considered holy. Patola is a double ikat woven saree made in a village named patan, gujrat, so the name patan patola. It is considered as the ‘ultimate manifestation of weaving perfection. It is said that it takes the combined effort of six to seven weavers for four to six months to weave a single saree. The process to make one sari is of dying each strand separately before weaving them together. This unique weave, usually made from silk, is a double Ikat and combines the techniques of tying, dyeing and weaving. Also, the dyeing and the weaving process is extremely complicated, requiring mathematical precision coupled with a vivid imagination. The double Ikat weave means once the saree or fabric is woven, you cannot differentiate between the sides – the colour and the intensity, the feel and the look, are the same on both sides.There are only two families in Patan that weave these highly prized double ikat saris.
considered holy. Patola is a double ikat woven saree made in a village named patan, gujrat, so the name patan patola. It is considered as the ‘ultimate manifestation of weaving perfection. It is said that it takes the combined effort of six to seven weavers for four to six months to weave a single saree. The process to make one sari is of dying each strand separately before weaving them together. This unique weave, usually made from silk, is a double Ikat and combines the techniques of tying, dyeing and weaving. Also, the dyeing and the weaving process is extremely complicated, requiring mathematical precision coupled with a vivid imagination. The double Ikat weave means once the saree or fabric is woven, you cannot differentiate between the sides – the colour and the intensity, the feel and the look, are the same on both sides.There are only two families in Patan that weave these highly prized double ikat saris.
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| Patola Saree considered the purest form and gifted to brides as blessings |
A BRIEF HISTORY
The art of double ikat weaving patola dates back to centuries.
The craftsmen were originally from Maharashtra. Some say the Patola weavers were part of the spoils of a war which King Kumarapal of the Solanki dynasty won over the ruler of Jalan in Southern Maharashtra in 11th century, some say they were invited by King Kumarapal who was known to have a deep interest in Patola.
The craftsmen were originally from Maharashtra. Some say the Patola weavers were part of the spoils of a war which King Kumarapal of the Solanki dynasty won over the ruler of Jalan in Southern Maharashtra in 11th century, some say they were invited by King Kumarapal who was known to have a deep interest in Patola.
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| This is an Award winning Patola Saree known as Shikhar Bharat piece |
They were also given the ‘Masters of the Cloth’ award by the Garden Silk
Mills in 2005 for successfully recreating a masterpiece, the
Shrikarbhaat—Elephant Procession, after a gap of 150 years. “That has
been our most treasured and satisfying creation so far,” they say
unanimously.
WORDS FROM WISEMEN
Rohit Salvi one of the master weavers who is carrying the family tradition forward. He has won several awards form the government of India for preserving this art and tradition . his sons are carrying the legacy forward.
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| The Salvi Family Carrying the Legacy forward |
“Patola weaving requires a lot of mental calculations, patience, undivided attention and dexterity of the hand. A computerised machine or powerloom cannot be of much help here,”says Rohit bhai Salvi, a master craftsman, and a member of one of the three surviving families who are practising the Patola weave. Rohit bhai belongs to the 16th generation of a family that has been pursuing this weaving art form.
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| Rohit bhai Salvi receiving an awaed from the President of India |
RICH TRADITION
The Patan Patolas were considered to be auspicious and worn by the royals. It is a symbol of prosperity and good luck. For the few who are preserving this art, it’s a tradition to be upheld for generations to come.
Though the popularity of these sarees has drastically reduced over the past few decades, this exquisite craft is being restored to its original stature by the building of a Patola museum with the help of the younger members of the producer community.
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| The Patola Mesuem |
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| Shri Amitabh Bachchan |
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