Madurai Sungudi Saree

Name of State : Tamil Nadu
Certificate Date : 12.12.2005

Origin - The history of Madurai Sungudi Saree dates back to the 19th century when it was first woven by the weavers of Madurai. The saree was initially made for the royal family and was later adopted by the common people. The saree gained popularity due to its comfortable and breathable nature, making it ideal for the hot and humid climate of Tamil Nadu. These Sarees are manufactured in the traditional tie or knot dying process. The knots are made on the saree are generally evenly spaced with a continuous string running amidst all the knots. Thereafter the saree is dyed with the appropriate colour. Subsequently when the knots are united the knotted portions remain uncoloured as rings, thus giving a unique kaleidoscopic effect to each saree. The colours used are mainly vegetable dyes. And the water of the sacred River Vaigai, used in the dying process, is believed to process the unique quality of impacting the brightness of the attractive colours used on the saree. Entirely hand crafted, the Sungudi sarees are only sarees kind in the world wherein laborious work is performed on the saree before it is dyed.