Kandangi is a type of saree made from cotton in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Chettinad and Koorainad are two regions in Tamil Nadu that adopt traditional Kandangi style. However, many new types of Kandangi were introduced by the Tamil Nadu government. Kandangi saree received a geographical Indicator tag on 30 August 2019.[1]

Koorainad style

Koorai saree is a modified version of Kandangi which is traditionally made from silk and cotton threads. They are made in the Koorainad region (also known as Orur Oranad or Koranad) which is located near Mayavaram (Mayiladuthurai). A Koorai saree weighs around 7-9 kejams.

Chettinad style

The Chettinadu Kandangi saree, introduced by the Nagarathar community, is native to the town of Karaikudi.[2]

This style of saree, which has 2 borders and is checkered at its centre, has existed for over 250 years.[3]

A Chettinad style saree is usually 48 inches wide and 216 inches long, and usually made with maroon, mustard, and black colors. Based on the findings by NIFT scholars on a Kandangi saree, which was made using an old variety of thread (i.e., 40s x 40s) in 1920, it is believed that sarees currently manufactured in Karaikudi by using 60se x 60se thread are modified versions of the Chettinad Kandangi.

References

  1. ^ M, Aashutosh (30 August 2019). "Kandangi saree and Dindigul lock get GI tag". Maharashtra News. Retrieved 30 August 2019.
  2. ^ "Tamil Nadu to help weavers of Kandangi sarees". The Hindu Business Line. 17 April 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  3. ^ "கண்டாங்கி சேலை கடைக்கு வருது: மீண்டும் தயாரிக்க அரசு திட்டம்" [The kanganki saree came to the shop: the government plans to re-produce]. Dinamalar (in Tamil). Retrieved 27 October 2017.
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