TALES 》 Madurai Sungudi sarees

Blessed Sungadi cotton sarees by Madurai Meenakshi

On the banks of charming 'Vaigai river' the beautiful Madurai city is localled, the district, in Tamil Nadu state, India, this place is referred and called by various names 'Madurai', 'Koodal', 'Malligai Maanagar', 'Naanmadakoodal' and 'Thirualavai'. During 16th century due to economic crisis weavers from 'Saurashtra' and 'Gujarat' migrated to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states and some of them settled down in inviting 'Madurai'. These 'Saurashtrians' are highly skilled manufacturers of beautifully crafted fine silk garments and were patronized by Kings and their families, they were called by 'Patnulkarans' the Tamil name by which these people is well known in southern India.

In Saurashtra, the word 'Sungudi' relates to the Sanskrit word 'Sunnam' meaning 'round', representing the circular dots that are printed on the fabric as a prominent and special motif. For a fully finised earthy traditional 'Sundgudi saree' it takes around takes around 10 to 15 days. The art of making these Sungudi saree came into light to Madurai during the 'Nayak dynasty'.

Varies types of Sungadi sarees

• Cotton sungudi batik sarees
• Bhandini style sungudi cotton sarees
• Sungudi printed cotton sarees

Traditional 'Kolam' or 'Rangoli' are the classic designs used to decorate these evergreen beauties. The main body of the saree, one can notice nice polka dots, golden strips, zari checks or golden checks, bandhani pattern or batick prints on the main body of the saree. The borders carry the defination of the saree, thus it's very important for a saree collector, as they go deeper and deeper for detailing in the saree, few types of border mostly found are

• Thread border
• one side border
• one side jari border
• Double side Jari border

Sungudi sarees carry the charm of simplicity, sober, earthy, these sarees are light weight, pure cotton, airy, versatile, comfortable to drape and wear, colorful loved by grandmothers, mothers and not only by them but also 'teachers', 'professors', 'Scientist', 'authors', 'physicians', who are deep in their knowledge and skills. These colorful sarees are been exported to countries like Singapore | Sri Lanka | Malaysia | South Africa | Mauritius | Indonesia | Dubai on demand bases. New versions for these style is been incorporated in shirts, salwars, shawls, handbags, bed sheets, stoles, and pillow case and so many.