The Jamdani is a testimony to the beautiful union of Mughal and ancient Indian cultures. Though the exquisite weave has been quite popular even before the Mughals, it is under them that Jamdani flourished and rose to become a weave that the world took notice of. The name Jamdani comes from the Persian language, the official language of the Mughals. Jam means flower and Dani means vase, symbolising the floral motifs that were popularly used in the weave. What it was called before this and its exact origins remain a mystery to date. However, the weave is said to have originated in Dhaka in present day Bangladesh. This art has earned recognition from the UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The designs are drawn on graph papers and placed below the saree to weave the exact pattern. Threads of gold, silver and other colours are passed through the weft while weaving, making the motifs appear like they are floating on the extremely delicate and thin sheer-like base of the saree. Jamdani sarees are painstakingly woven by master weavers and their mastery is reflected in the surreal gorgeousness of each saree.
