Textiles Sarees in Orissa
Textiles Sarees in Orissa
Influence of nature, religion and the glorious tradition of creativity is evident in the art and crafts of Orissa. Artistic skill and creative urge of craftsmen are blended together in their works to produce what we see as some of the finest examples of beauty with perfection.
The superb workmanship is reflected through the medium of wood, stone, metal, textiles, etc. All the symbols of artistic excellence have come to reflect upon our cultural heritage. Apart from these crafts, the weavers of Orissa have produced a wide variety of designs and patterns in colourful cotton and silk sarees. These hand woven textiles reveal the artistic bent of mind of the Oriya people.
The most distinctive feature of Orissa’s textile industry is the ‘Ikat’ design (tye-and-dye), which finds its ancient linkage to the cross-cultural influences had during the period of maritime activities in South East Asia. Its versatility adds richness and colour to India’s cornucopia of vivid textiles. The Ikat tradition of Orissa is the intricate process of Tie and Dye i.e. knotting of yarn before dipping it in separate colours on at a time and finally weaving it to produce one of the most delightful designs in multi-hued tones, in motifs drawn from the richness of nature, in threads both silken and gold.
The fabrics and saree lengths of Orissa are diverse and beautiful in both design and colour. Some of the important textile types are Passapadi (Chess-board) from famed Sambalpur and Bolangir districts. The double Ikat is woven into temple motifs (Chirapuri) such a s fish, lion, etc. Sonpuri, form Bolangir is woven in gold (Zari) thread, silk, tussar with golden thread. The sarees of Berhampur have motifs drawn from the Shakti-cult. There is the famous mulberry hand-reeled fabric, which has its own natural charm. Orissa is thus treasure house of a rich variety of handlooms.
Since time immemorial, dance has been an invaluable part of human life. It is believed to be the truest expression of human emotions. Known to be true to their emotions, the people of Orissa too enjoy the legacy of a variety of dance forms to the credit of their ancient and rich culture.
The monumental proof of the abundant importance accorded to music and dance in Orissa is the Natamandir or the dancing hall of the 700 year-old Sun Temple. With every inch of its walls laced with fine artistic designs, musicians playing drums, well adorned Odissi dance poses, it symbolizes the close association between dance, music and temple rituals.
If you wonder whether the devdasi (female temple dancers) cult exited in Orissa as it did in Central and South India, then the answer is an emphatic ‘yes’.
The cult was not only prevalent but prevalent in a highly sophisticated form. The more talented of the devdasis were trained in the secret art of the temple dance- the Odissi which has today become a highly stylized, refined and elegant dance form.
