The traditional garment worn by Indian women is called the sari or sari. While the exact origin of saris is not known, research has shown the existence of saris dating back to 3000 BC in the Indus Valley civilization. The central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its Chanderi saris.

Madhya Pradesh boasts not only rich deposits of monumental heritage, lush forests, and abundant wildlife but also a niche for itself in the world of arts and crafts. This is due to the people and their age-old traditions passed down by their ancestors. The diverse range of handicrafts that add charm and uniqueness to Madhya Pradesh thrives amid the vibrant festivities.

Chanderi is one of the most well-known handloom clusters in India, particularly famous for its saris made with a blend of silk and cotton. However, if we delve into history, we find that Chanderi has evolved over time to meet changing needs. The Chanderi sari, as we know it today, is a product of the second half of the twentieth century.

Located in the heart of India, beyond forests and valleys, the weaver's town of Chanderi in the Guna district of Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its weaving tradition. In the past, Dacca muslins were comparable to Chanderi cotton. The weavers of Chanderi transformed the traditional saris when the British introduced mill-made fabrics to compete with Indian handlooms. They used a silk warp with a fine cotton weft while retaining the intricate gold borders and jewel-like motifs. Since then, the Chanderi weave has continued to be as delicate and exquisite as ever.

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