Chanderi fabric has been woven in Madhya Pradesh for centuries, and the quality that made it sought after then is the same quality that makes it relevant now. It is light without being insubstantial, has a natural soft sheen without the heaviness of pure silk, and drapes in a way that looks considered without requiring effort. At Naachiyars, the Chanderi collection sits within the Exclusives range and brings together 49 sarees across two distinct fabric types, each interpreted through printing and weaving techniques that reflect different aspects of the Chanderi tradition.
The Chanderi Cotton sarees in this collection are hand block printed and hand painted, with designs including floral leaves, dreamy florals, contrast floral patterns and tree motifs rendered directly onto the cotton base fabric. Hand block printing gives each saree a slight variation in line and coverage that cannot be replicated by machine, making each piece individually distinct within the same design. These sarees are lighter in hand and more suited to everyday, office and casual occasion wear.
The Chanderi Silk Cotton sarees offer a richer surface and a slightly more luminous finish due to the silk content in the weave. Print styles across this section include Mughal floral all-over prints, lotus garden designs, Paithani style prints with contrast pallus, wild flower patterns, paisley buttas and geometric designs. Border treatments include Banarasi style borders, silver temple borders, contrast borders and check border pallus, giving each saree a different level of formality depending on the specific piece.
Colours across the collection include dark grey, maroon, red, violet, light green, brown, sandal, dark pink, light blue, light brown, green, blue, peach and off white. The contrast borders and pallus throughout the range add visual depth while keeping the body of the saree clean and uncluttered.
Naachiyars is based in Madurai and offers pan India delivery. Orders can be placed through the website or via WhatsApp on 77080 99677.
Explore the Chanderi collection at Naachiyars and find a saree that carries tradition lightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Chanderi fabric and what makes it distinctive?
Chanderi is a fabric originating from Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, woven using a combination of silk and cotton yarns in varying ratios depending on the specific type. It is known for its light weight, natural soft sheen and fine texture that gives a graceful drape without the heaviness of denser silk weaves. The fabric has been woven using traditional handloom techniques for centuries and is associated with a refined, understated elegance.
2. What is the difference between Chanderi Cotton and Chanderi Silk Cotton sarees?
Chanderi Cotton sarees use a predominantly cotton base with a small amount of silk, giving a lighter and more breathable fabric that is well suited for daily wear. Chanderi Silk Cotton sarees have a higher silk content, which gives the fabric a more luminous surface and a slightly richer drape. The silk cotton variety is better suited for festive occasions and events where a more polished appearance is preferred.
3. What print and design styles are available in this collection?
The Chanderi Cotton sarees in this range are hand block printed and hand painted with floral, leaf and tree designs. The Chanderi Silk Cotton sarees feature Mughal floral prints, lotus garden designs, Paithani style contrast pallus, wild flower prints, paisley buttas and geometric designs. Border treatments include Banarasi style borders, silver temple borders and contrast pallus depending on the specific piece.
4. What colours are available in the Chanderi saree collection?
The range includes dark grey, maroon, red, violet, light green, brown, sandal, dark pink, light blue, light brown, green, blue, peach and off white among others. Most sarees feature contrast borders or pallus in complementary tones that add visual interest without requiring an embellished body.
5. What is hand block printing and how does it differ from digital or machine printing?
Hand block printing uses carved wooden or metal blocks dipped in natural or synthetic dye and pressed manually onto the fabric. Each impression is applied individually by hand, which means there is a slight variation in line weight, coverage and placement between sarees that makes each piece subtly distinct. This is the defining quality of hand block printed Chanderi sarees compared to digitally or machine printed alternatives.
6. Are Chanderi sarees from Naachiyars suitable for daily wear?
Yes, the Chanderi Cotton sarees in this collection are well suited for daily wear, office and casual occasions given their lighter hand and breathable fabric. The Chanderi Silk Cotton sarees are more appropriate for festive occasions, small celebrations and events where a slightly richer appearance is preferred.
7. Does Naachiyars deliver Chanderi sarees across India?
Yes, Naachiyars offers pan India delivery from their store at 125-126 South Masi Street, Madurai. Orders can be placed through the website or via WhatsApp on 77080 99677 for personalised assistance before purchasing.
