Two centuries ago at Trivangore, Sivaganga, Madurai Nayak, Chera Chola & Pandiya Kingdom, the royal family women wore medicinal sarees to protect them from skin disease, Asthma, Diabetes and Rheumatism. Each saree were made with special care against respective disease.
The village Balaramapuram near Trivandrum was famous in the production of such sarees. In that village a family named ‘kuzhivilagam’ was specialised in weaving such sarees hereditarily. The sarees were produced based on Ayurvedic medicine. But after British rule in India, after the decline of Chera, Chola, Pandiya kingdoms, the usage of medicinal saree was overruled by English medicines.
In 1980, a research about this type of medicinal saree was carried out and a search for ‘Kuzhivilagam’ family was made. From the research the method of preparing medicinal sarees came to light and was explained as follows:
First the people bought the cotton thread and put for wash as many times required. Then the thread was dipped in cow’s urine and was allowed to dry in dark room. Then a paste of ayurvedic medicine was applied to threads and again allowed to dry in dark room. And once more the same procedure to apply the ayurvedic paste and this time the drying is made in shade. After that the thread is given for weaving.
The ayurvedic paste consisted of Phyllantnus mederaspatensis (Nelli – Indian Gooseberry), Alow indica ( Katralai – Aloe vera), Trigonalla foenum graceum (Venthayam – Fenugreek). Due to the enlarged and effective process the effect of the medicines in the sarees will have a long life of about 4 to 5 years when washed in cold water. If washed in hot water it will last only for a year or two. Washing machines and driers are not recommended for such sarees. Mild soap powder or shampoo wash is advisable.
Such sarees are still not under commercial production due to its long term production and expensive medicinal procedure which will accumulate to saree cost.
The village Balaramapuram near Trivandrum was famous in the production of such sarees. In that village a family named ‘kuzhivilagam’ was specialised in weaving such sarees hereditarily. The sarees were produced based on Ayurvedic medicine. But after British rule in India, after the decline of Chera, Chola, Pandiya kingdoms, the usage of medicinal saree was overruled by English medicines.
In 1980, a research about this type of medicinal saree was carried out and a search for ‘Kuzhivilagam’ family was made. From the research the method of preparing medicinal sarees came to light and was explained as follows:
First the people bought the cotton thread and put for wash as many times required. Then the thread was dipped in cow’s urine and was allowed to dry in dark room. Then a paste of ayurvedic medicine was applied to threads and again allowed to dry in dark room. And once more the same procedure to apply the ayurvedic paste and this time the drying is made in shade. After that the thread is given for weaving.
The ayurvedic paste consisted of Phyllantnus mederaspatensis (Nelli – Indian Gooseberry), Alow indica ( Katralai – Aloe vera), Trigonalla foenum graceum (Venthayam – Fenugreek). Due to the enlarged and effective process the effect of the medicines in the sarees will have a long life of about 4 to 5 years when washed in cold water. If washed in hot water it will last only for a year or two. Washing machines and driers are not recommended for such sarees. Mild soap powder or shampoo wash is advisable.
Such sarees are still not under commercial production due to its long term production and expensive medicinal procedure which will accumulate to saree cost.
However, India does a lot of magic in saree production like the world’s expensive Saree by Chennai Silks, Tamilnadu. Yes, the world’s expensive sari is woven at Chennai by Chennai Silks in 2007. The cost of the sari is 40 Lakh Indian rupees. Having found its unique place in Guinness records, the sari has been woven by 20 weavers for 7 months for 4, 680 hours. Golden Jari, platinum, silver, diamond, vaidooryam adorns the beauty of this sari. The great Indian artist Ravivarma’s art pieces adorn the borders and pallu of the sari.
0 comments :
Speak up your mind
Tell us what you're thinking... !