Glossary of Indian Textile Terms
A reference guide to key terms used in Indian handloom and saree traditions.
- Banarasi
- Referring to Varanasi (Banaras). Banarasi sarees are handwoven silk sarees from Varanasi, known for intricate zari brocade work. Shop Banarasi Sarees →
- Brocade
- A richly decorative fabric woven with raised patterns, typically using gold or silver threads. Common in Banarasi sarees.
- Butidar
- A style of Banarasi weave featuring small, scattered motifs (butis) across the body of the saree.
- GI Tag (Geographical Indication)
- A certification that a product originates from a specific geographical location. Banarasi silk holds a GI tag.
- Handloom
- Fabric woven on a manually operated loom. Handloom weaving is a skilled craft passed down through generations.
- Jangla
- A Banarasi weave style featuring dense, all-over floral and foliate patterns.
- Kasavu
- The gold zari border and pallav of a Kerala saree. Also used to refer to the saree itself, handwoven in Balaramapuram, Kerala. Shop Kasavu Sarees →
- Katan
- A pure silk fabric used in Banarasi sarees, known for its smooth texture and rich lustre.
- Pallav (Pallu)
- The decorative end piece of a saree that falls over the shoulder. Often the most ornate part.
- Pit Loom
- A traditional loom where the weaver sits in a pit below the loom level. Used for weaving Banarasi and other complex silk sarees.
- Tanchoi
- A Banarasi weave style with a satin base and small woven motifs, originally influenced by Chinese weaving techniques.
- Zari
- Metallic thread made of fine gold or silver wire, used in weaving and embroidery. A defining element of Banarasi and Kasavu sarees.
- Zardozi
- A form of heavy metal embroidery using gold and silver threads, beads, and sequins.
