Tracing the history of Indian Saree!

The saree has been an integral part of the Indian woman’s attire. This 9-yard fabric has gone under the great change in the 20th Century. Mehta Saree Centre, Chennai, traces the interesting history how women in India have draped their sarees over the 20th century. We have also added the latest saree trends to contrast with the dress that our grandmas had donned in the yore.

Since India is a multicultural country and every region is unique, it is a humungous task to include the multiplicity. However, taking a look at random snippets from the corridors of history is fun. Bollywood has played a dominant role in shaping the  art of wearing saree.

The beginning of the 20th century: Women in the beginning of the 20th century were often influenced by European culture. This was the time of high collar and full sleeves blouses with Victorian elegance. Notice the elaborate embellishments that glorify the Indian flavour.

Saree styles from 1920-30: The picture shows a typical Indian family probably from the 1930s. It was a time when women wore cotton and silk sarees that had elaborate borders. They teamed it up with beautiful short sleeves blouses in contrast shades.

The working women of 1950s: It is ironical that although India gained Freedom in 1947, women in the country were still trapped in a society governed by patriarchal norms. The picture is a still from the 1957 film Mother India, in which Nargis is wearing a properly tied saree, as she has to take care of the kids and carry out the daily chores.

Vibes of liberation in the 1960s: The decade was marked by a sudden emergence of glamour. Bollywood actresses during this period draped their sarees in classic ways, and teamed it with shimmering blouses, just like of Aasha Parekh in the picture.

The modern saree arrived during 1970-80:  The era saw women experimenting with their sarees. The style was usually a confluence of Western boldness and India bashfulness. They wore it tight, showing off their figures, just like the way stylish Mumtaz dons in the picture

Handloom sarees make style statements during 1980-90: Indira Gandhi, India’s PM, was seen in various hues and shades of handloom sarees. She carried herself with aplomb, draped in the whole-9-yard fabric when she met global counterparts.

The last decade of the 20th century: The Indian saree did not lose its sheen even in the last decade of 20th century.  A still from the 1994 movie Hum Aapke Hain Kaun shows how saree is a choice of women for all formal occasions.