Banarasi Silk Weaving
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Banarasi silk is the brocade weaving of Varanasi: mulberry-silk sarees, dupattas and lehengas patterned with dense gold and silver zari in Mughal-inspired motifs — buti sprigs, bel creepers, the kalga-and-bel paisley-and-vine, jhallar borders, shikargah hunting scenes and all-over jaal lattices. Among the most prized Indian bridal textiles, it ranges from light georgette and organza sarees to the heavy kinkhab brocade once used for court costume and furnishing. It carries a Geographical Indication covering Varanasi and several neighbouring districts.