Traditional Bridal Sarees of India

DETAILS : 

• Author: Promila Shankar 
  
• Publisher: ‎ TBI Publishers
  
• Publication date: ‎ 1 January 2012
  
• Language: ‎ English
  
• ISBN-10: ‎ 9351045951
  
• ISBN-13: ‎ 978-9351045953
  
• Item Weight: ‎ 1500 g 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Traditional Bridal Sarees of India, authored by Promila Shankar, is a beautiful, descriptive tribute to the rich heritage of Indian handlooms. Published by TBI Publishers, this grand, 107-page illustrated hardcover coffee-table book serves as both a practical guide and a cultural archive. The core philosophy of this work is to revive a deep appreciation for classical hand-woven textiles among younger generations. Motivated by her own daughter’s wedding, the author realized that modern brides are increasingly drawn toward flashy, chemically dyed, mass-produced synthetic garments out of sheer unfamiliarity with true regional craftsmanship. This book acts as an intervention, framing the bridal saree not just as wedding attire, but as a priceless piece of living historical art.

The book is structured into a highly accessible, region-by-region textile map of India, exploring exactly 21 distinct types of traditional sarees—an intentionally chosen, highly auspicious number that matches the traditional count of garments historically gifted by an Indian mother to her daughter on her wedding day. Eschewing overly dense or dry industrial jargon, the chapters offer clear, conversational overviews of iconic handlooms spanning from the Northeast down to the southern coast. It explores pristine treasures like the rare, naturally golden Muga Silk of Assam, alongside the ornate historical imagery of Baluchari and the airy, geometric precision of Tangail Jamdani from West Bengal. It showcases the incredibly complex double-ikat Patola and royal Asavali weaves of Gujarat, alongside the gossamer, translucent textures of Madhya Pradesh's Chanderi and Maheshwari silks. It details the deep-rooted legacies of Maharashtra’s vibrant Paithani, Karnataka's traditional Ilkal, the heavy, temple-bordered gold standard of Tamil Nadu’s Kanjeevaram sarees, and highlights the undisputed queen of bridal drapes—the opulent, pure zari-laden Banarasi silk of Uttar Pradesh. Richly laden with vivid, full-color pictorial references, each segment highlights the unique distinguishing features, classic motifs, and regional identity of the weaves, while acknowledging how contemporary artisans are innovating to keep these ancient traditions alive.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Promila Shankar is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1976 batch (Uttar Pradesh cadre) who, alongside a distinguished and highly courageous 36-year-long career in public service, is a passionate researcher, cultural archivist, and author. She is also well-known for her hard-hitting debut memoir, Gods of Corruption, which offered a candid look into the inner workings of Indian bureaucracy.

Shankar's writing style in this volume is warm, clear, and exceptionally user-friendly. She deliberately steps away from the clinical tone of a textile engineer, choosing instead the voice of a supportive, knowledgeable peer guiding a young bride through her trousseau selection. By focusing on the visual storytelling, historical context, and tactile properties of the fabrics, her work succeeds in bridging the generational gap, providing crucial consumer support to India’s struggling handloom weavers while safeguarding the country's textile identity.