The Hindu (Tamil Nadu) ·
Madurai before the Kumbabhishekam: A local’s guide
Legend has it that the Saurashtrian community that migrated from Gujarat to Madurai in the late 16th and early 17th Century, thrived under Nayak rule. During this time, they brought to the city a tie-and-dye tradition, using stones, thread, and naturally occurring pigments on saris, to make patterns in more permutations and combinations than imaginable.
Today, only a handful of the members living around the Mahal area where their ancestors lived, continue this handloom tradition.
Much of the labour-intensive work has been replaced by machine prints. However, some warriors continue to fiercely protect tradition. To watch the sari making process up-close, contact Cholan Tours Madurai at 8220005542.
