Neat and Traditional Bengal Sarees - Tant Sarees

Bengal saree is commonly known as tant saree in the region.  Tant Saree is popular woven by the women of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The saree is perfect for the warm and humid summers of this region, Because of its light, airy texture, and moist observing quality. 

The main characteristics of the saree are the thick border and decorative pallav. It is one of the most comfortable saree according to the climate in the Indian subcontinent.

 History

 The saree is traced back to the 15th century  Bengal history of waving in the Santipur district.

  The art flourishes in the 16th and 18th centuries during the Mughal era, around Dhaka, Bangladesh, end of Murshidabad of West Bengal, India. Jamdani, muslin, and tant Became famous in the Mughal era. 

The British government tried to destroy the art to give a boost to the textile industry of Manchester. After the partition of Bengal in 1947. 

The weavers migrate from Bangladesh and settled in a different part of Bengal in India. which also brought their ancestral tradition of weaving with them.  Over the years, they had developed their unique style and are known as varieties of tant sarees.

Making process

  The age-old crafting of Bengal is famous for the weaving of the tant sari. The cotton two thread which is woven into the saree is deftly weaved by the craftsmen.

Two shuttles are used for the weaving of the sari. In early times, Handlooms were used by weavers, Which have been replaced by the power looms today to weave the saree.

Types

 Based on the region or the motifs tant sarees can be classified.

In today’s western Bengal main areas of production are- Fulia and Shantipur, Begampur, Dhaniakhdi, kalna, Atpur.

A variety of tant saree on the basics of motifs is Bhomra, Tabij, Rajmahal, Ardha chadra, Chandmala ansh, Hathi, Nilambari, ratan chokh, Benki, Taralka, and phool.

Modern trends

 With the demand for contemporary taste in the modern market tant Came up with a few variations such as hand-painted, printed, zari border, embroidery,  and banarasi style pallav. 

Care

To prevent the sari from bleeding color, before the first wash,

it is soaked in warm water with rock salt and mild detergent should be used for the first time and every time searching it and hanging it in a shaded area. These are the few precautions that should be taken for the longevity of the saree.

Conclusion 

The tant saree weaving art is the livelihood of the community people after agriculture. Ongoing pandemic effects have led to losses.

The need of the hour is to mobilize and boost business and to receive this imperiled weavers and communities.

If we are drawn towards authenticity concentrated on handmade, handloom, and tradition to create magic and we need to celebrate. Make in India and buy local is more relevant, now as each purchase of a local product is a support to the homegrown fashion label, weavers tailors, embroidered, and craftsmen.

It is also a versatile fabric and also lends itself to furnishings and home linen. All in all, tant is a sustainable, homegrown fabric with a thriving cultural legacy.

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