The Handloom
Rani Ahilyabai
The Fort
Maheshwar is a place in Madhya Pradesh. It is located in the bank of the river Narmada like many other places of MP. Narmada is the holy river of the Deccan. Mythologically Narmada river is considered to be the daughter of Lord Shiva. In the bank of the river is the Maheshwar Palace/Fort. This Palace was the home of the kings of the Holkar Dynasty. Rani Ahilybai was the queen of this dynasty and she was considered to be a pious lady and was looked upon by her subjects. She worshiped Lord Shiva and it is said that she got a Shivlinga each day from the Narmada at the time of bathing. As a Hindu widow, she lived a very simple life and took all important decisions while holding a Shivalinga in her hand.
Rani Ahilyabai started the tradition of weaving Maheswari Saree in her kingdom. And till now there are handlooms within the palace( picture above) where sarees are made.
Maheshwari saris were traditionally made in bright colors and an Indian red dye called Aal and was woven in pure cotton. But now the silk variety is also available. The pallus are designed with stripes of gold zari. Stripes in the pallus are an important aspect of Maheswari saree. Borders like Leheriya Narmada are typical patterns of the Maheswari saree.
On Narmada Jayanti ( typically celebrated every year), Mother Narmada is clad in a Maheswari Saree. The saree is spread from one bank of the river to another along the width of the river.
Maheswari sarees are available all over India and is something you can be a proud owner of. I do have a few but incidentally did not get those from Maheswar. :-)
Rani Ahilyabai started the tradition of weaving Maheswari Saree in her kingdom. And till now there are handlooms within the palace( picture above) where sarees are made.
Maheshwari saris were traditionally made in bright colors and an Indian red dye called Aal and was woven in pure cotton. But now the silk variety is also available. The pallus are designed with stripes of gold zari. Stripes in the pallus are an important aspect of Maheswari saree. Borders like Leheriya Narmada are typical patterns of the Maheswari saree.
On Narmada Jayanti ( typically celebrated every year), Mother Narmada is clad in a Maheswari Saree. The saree is spread from one bank of the river to another along the width of the river.
Maheswari sarees are available all over India and is something you can be a proud owner of. I do have a few but incidentally did not get those from Maheswar. :-)
