
Banarasi silk and brocade
- Uttar Pradesh · associated with Banaras (Varanasi)
Banaras, also called Varanasi, is known for silk saris and brocades whose decorative motifs, often in metallic thread, are woven into the cloth.
- Textiles
Sources & further reading (2)
Start here
Read at Incredible India, Ministry of Tourism: Banaras brocades and sarees (external site)Banaras brocades and sarees
A short government introduction to Banaras saris and brocades: silk, metallic thread and decorative motifs. It describes zari only loosely, so treat it as a starting point rather than a technical account.
Also
Read at NRI Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi: Banarasi Sari and Brocade sections (external site)Varanasi: Banarasi Sari and Brocade sections
Begin with the Banarasi Sari and Brocade sections for an explanation of pattern threads, woven motifs and the sari’s body, border and anchal. We use these textile descriptions; the page’s wider historical chronology is not a source for this guide.


