Sharir Itihas by Mala Datta Ray [Hardcover]

The sari is one of the foremost symbols of Indian culture and heritage. Across the world, it has become a distinctive emblem of Indian womanhood. This book delves into the fascinating evolution of the sari—how fragments of fabric adorning women in ancient sculptures, temple carvings, and cave paintings eventually took the form of the draped attire we recognize today. India’s regional saris—Jamdani, Baluchari, Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, Paithani, Sambalpuri, Kalamkari, Ajrakh, Settumundu, Chanderi—each carry the unique cultural, traditional, and artistic essence of their respective regions. In truth, India’s textile heritage boasts an unbroken, illustrious history spanning nearly 5,000 years. Indian weavers have shaped this legacy through their expertise in fabric weaving, color blending, fiber innovation, natural dyeing, hand-painting, embroidery, and more. The History of the Sari unveils this extraordinary artistic lineage, a testament to India’s rich and timeless cultural wealth.