In 15th century, the Vijaynagar empire got extended to North Arcot district under the rule of Kumarkampana. The introduction of rule of Vijaynagar empire saw massive changes in Language, dress and culture in this area. Vijaynagar kings started promoting small industries and one of such industry was silk saree production in Arni and Kancheepuram. Devikapuram & wadamadimangalam temple scriptures unearth this history of these Arni silk sarees. The quality of these silk sarges gradually improved in British time. In 2007 it was awarded the GI tag.
The designs are inspired by seasons and uses pure gold and silver Zari. There are 2 types of Arni Silk sarees namely Brocade which have intricate designs along with extra weft and Jangala type which have relatively soft fabric and come in fancy colours.
Arni silk is majorly produced in Arni town situated 60 km from the district headquarter at Tiruvannamalai. Now the production has also spread to nearby areas like Sevoor, Mullipattu, Munukupattu, Sirumani, Devikapuram and Irumbedu. Due to prevalence of Silk manufacturing handlooms it’s often called as Arni silk city. The area employs nearly 35000 artisans.The Arni Handloom Silk Park, is a project that has been envisaged in 2018 as a 20-25 acre facility which will be a one-stop facility to manufacture Arni silk sarees
Some interesting facts about Arni silk:
- Arni silk has a history of over 400 years.
- Arni silk is a popular choice for brides in South India.
- Arni silk has been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India. This means that only silk produced in the town of Arni can be sold as Arni silk.
- Arni silk sarees are known for their unique interlocking borders. This is a complex weaving technique that requires a lot of skill and experience.
- Arni silk is also used to make traditional Indian garments for men, such as kurtas and dhotis. These garments are often worn on special occasions, such as weddings and festivals.
- Arni silk is a popular tourist attraction in Tamil Nadu. Many tourists visit Arni to see the silk weavers at work and to purchase Arni silk products.
Arni silk is a unique and special product of the town of Arni. It is a beautiful and versatile fabric that can be used to make a variety of garments and other products. Arni silk is a popular choice for consumers who are looking for a high-quality fabric that is also affordable.
Why are they special?
- It is made from high-quality mulberry silk, which gives it a soft texture and bright colors.
- It is known for its intricate designs, such as the korvai, jamdani, and pochampally designs.
- It is a versatile fabric that can be used to make a variety of garments and other products.
- It is relatively affordable, making it a popular choice for consumers.
- It has a long history and a unique cultural significance.
In addition to these reasons, Arni silk is also special because it is a GI tagged product. This means that it is a product that has a unique quality or characteristic that is attributed to its geographical area. Only silk produced in the town of Arni can be sold as Arni silk. This GI tag protects the reputation of the product and helps to ensure that consumers are getting genuine Arni silk.
Arni silk is a unique and special product of the town of Arni in Tamil Nadu, India. It is a beautiful and versatile fabric that is known for its high quality, intricate designs, and cultural significance.
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