Arani Silk Sarees: The Silk City’s Timeless Weave

Stepping into the illustrious world of Arani silk sarees is like embarking on a journey through centuries of craftsmanship, colour, and cultural continuity. Synonymous with Tamil Nadu’s textile heritage, Arani silk sarees, also lovingly known as Arani pattu sarees, are prized for their lush drape, distinctive motifs, and unmatched durability. From temple ceremonies to grand family celebrations, Arani sarees have long woven their magic across generations and continents, now beautifully available for global connoisseurs online at Pothys. 

Elegant yet confident, Arani silk sarees represent a living legacy. With a tactile sheen, soft feel, and intricate zari borders, every saree is more than attire- it is history in motion. Whether you seek an heirloom Arani Pattu saree for your trousseau or a lightweight checked Arani saree for festive occasions, the sheer diversity and authenticity of the Arani story at Pothys is a must-have.

Arani Silk Sarees: History, Evolution and Legacy

This living piece of heritage comes from a lush historical background.

A City Steeped in Silk

The city of Arani in Tamil Nadu, often called the “Silk City of Arani,” has been a central hub of silk weaving since the Chola dynasty flourished under Vijayanagra and later British influence. Sericulture and weaving are intertwined with Arani’s identity, with every street echoing the whirr of handlooms and the hum of skilled weavers continuing a legacy that spans over a thousand years.

Tradition holds that initially, silk weaving units were established. Later, techniques such as block printing and advanced dyeing were introduced by artisans, further defining Arani’s innovative spirit. The region’s historic Saurashtran community profoundly influenced Arani weaving after migrating due to North Indian invasions, blending native and North Indian textile traditions.

A proud holder of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, Arani silk sarees are a glowing example of India’s protected handloom heritage.

The Weaving Process: Where Art Meets Heritage 

The making of an Arani silk saree is a meticulous journey where every step reflects tradition and artistry.

H3: Raw Material Selection

True Arani silk saree starts with the best mulberry silk. Sourced locally and occasionally drawn from Karnataka, the lustrous silk threads are chosen for their strength, durability, and the ability to absorb vibrant colour. Arani’s famed use of original silver zari (as opposed to synthetic) is a standout feature, best appreciated in festive and wedding collections.

Dyeing and Yarn Preparation

Once cleaned, the hanks of silk go through a process called “boil off,” where silk is boiled with soap to remove sericin and then dyed thoroughly. Good dying is integral; in Arani, threads are often dyed in open streets, with vibrant hues stretched out to dry under the Tamil Nadu sun. Colouring is carefully handled: section tying, boiling in acid dye, and sun drying. This hands-on method ensures shades are bright and consistent from pallu to border.

Setting up the Loom

The warp (vertical threads) and weft (threads) are loaded onto handlooms. The “korvai” technique, an interlocking process to achieve contrasting borders, is a celebrated signature in pure handloom arani sarees. Traditional borders are worked with dobby or jacquard attachments for intricate motifs.

Weaving: The Heartbeat of Arani 

Silk yarns, often twisted into single or double-ply, are woven into fabric using hand-driven treadles and shuttles. The body and pallu are built up first, then contrasting borders are deftly integrated using the korvai method, producing sharp, seamless transition lines. Select motifs are created using jacquard punch cards or by the weaver’s deft fingers. As the saree tales shape, a local gum paste (“Gondhu pasai”) is occasionally applied for the trademark finish and crispness of a classic arani pattu saree, with more elaborate designs requiring further time and expertise.

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Pink checked soft silk saree, contrast zari design border & zari striped pallu Pink checked soft silk saree, contrast zari design border & zari striped pallu

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Orange aarani gift saree with zari buttas, contrast traditional zari design border & pallu of jaal designs Orange aarani gift saree with zari buttas, contrast traditional zari design border & pallu of jaal designs

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Borderless purple & blue aarani saree with zig-zag stripes, self-pallu of stripes & zig-zag stripes Borderless purple & blue aarani saree with zig-zag stripes, self-pallu of stripes & zig-zag stripes

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Borderless purple & blue aarani saree with zig-zag stripes, self-pallu of stripes & zig-zag stripes

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₹ 1,105 Sale price ₹ 995 (10% OFF)
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Green motifs gift saree with contrast zari design border & striped pallu Green motifs gift saree with contrast zari design border & striped pallu

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₹ 1,605 Sale price ₹ 1,445 (10% OFF)
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Borderless purple & pink aarani saree with buttas & stripes on its body, self-pallu of stripes Borderless purple & pink aarani saree with buttas & stripes on its body, self-pallu of stripes

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Borderless purple & pink aarani saree with buttas & stripes on its body, self-pallu of stripes

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₹ 1,105 Sale price ₹ 995 (10% OFF)
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Borderless green aarani saree with zig-zag stripes, pallu of zig-zag stripes & buttas Borderless green aarani saree with zig-zag stripes, pallu of zig-zag stripes & buttas

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Borderless green aarani saree with zig-zag stripes, pallu of zig-zag stripes & buttas

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₹ 1,105 Sale price ₹ 995 (10% OFF)
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