Surat Zari Craft
Embroidery
History
Zari, derived from the Persian word for gold, is one of India's oldest textile traditions. Ancient garments featured pure gold wire, with references in the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Vedas. Introduced by Persian migrants, zari flourished under Mughal patronage. Today, Surat and Banaras are India's main zari hubs, with Surat's industry receiving GI status in 2010 to preserve this historic craft.
Raw Materials and Tools
RAW MATERIALS: Cotton (Textile), Muslin
TOOL: Embroidery Needles
Process
Zari yarn manufacturing uses metals like gold, silver, and copper, with cotton, silk, or polyester as core yarns. The process has become mechanized over the last 70 years. Real zari uses pure silver, while imitation zari uses copper. The copper wire is oxidized, cleaned with acid, drawn to 80 microns, electroplated with silver, and then flattened and wound onto core yarns.
Design and Color
A contrast pallu saree features a striking color contrast between the body and pallu, making it perfect for formal events, weddings, and festivals. Its all-over pattern creates a uniform look, with intricate motifs adding beauty. Key features include:
- Ideal for festive, formal, or wedding events
- Heavy golden zari throughout
- Suitable for traditional ceremonies and formal gatherings
Product Range
The zari industry produces a wide range of products, including:
- Real and imitation materials (kasab, badla)
- Embroidery materials (nakshi, stars, sparkles)
- Laces and borders (kinari)
- Gota variations (thappa, ful, champo)
- Zari-embroidered articles (saris, bags, tablecloths)
- Luxury textiles (kinkhanb, brocades, Banarasi saris)
Additional Information
- https://handicrafts.nic.in/pdf/LIST_OF_CRAFT_REGISTRED_UNDER_GEOGRAPHICAL_INDICATION_HANDICRAFTSNew.pdf
- SINGHAL, D. and S. BHAGAT. Types of zari used for brocade weaving. Textiles and Clothing Research Centre e-Journal, vol. 1, issue 2, August 2017, pp. 18–21.