Maheshwar is an old hub of textile weaving on Hand looms since 5th century. It has been producing India’s finest muslin and silk fabrics since then. But the credit for making Maheswar Sarees world known goes to Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar, which dates back to 18th century. Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar wanted a Saree to be woven in her own town Maheshwar that shall be suitable for all weather use with the elegance of traditional Maheshwar fabric. Weavers across the country and various type of Zari from Surat were called and one master piece was designed by Maharani herself. The carvings on Maheshwar Fort inspired designs on Saree. Later on same technique to weave were adopted across the Maheshwar and modern Maheshwar Sarees came to in existence. In 1979, to create women employment and promoting the Maheshwar fabric, Holkars family founded an NGO Rehwa Society. Since then this NGO has been proficiently working towards their goals.
Today’s Maheshwari Saree is at par with modern fashion, where you will find comfort, colors, designs, fabric as per the latest trends along with the same legacy, richness and heritage which is attached to Maheshwari Sarees since centuries. These Sarees are woven in various compositions of yarns that can be only pure silk or only pure cotton or pure silk woven with pure cotton. Borders and Pallu on Saree are woven in Zari and colorful Resham. Still the designs on Sarees are inspired with Maheshwar fort.
Picture Credit : Google