https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Arani_Silk_SareesArani Silk Sarees - Revision history2026-08-21T01:15:28ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Arani_Silk_Sarees&diff=487251&oldid=prevDrusillaSchuster: created new entry...2025-06-28T11:24:11Z<p>created new entry...</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Traditional sari made in Arani, Tamil Nadu, India}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}<br />
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2013}}<br />
{{Infobox geographical indication<br />
| name = Arani Silk<br />
| image = <br />
| image_size = <br />
| caption = Arani silk sarees<br />
| description = [[Silk|Silk sarees]]<br />
| type = [[Handicraft]]<br />
| area = [[Arani, Tiruvannamalai]], [[Tamil Nadu]]<br />
| country = [[India]]<br />
| registered = 02.05.2008<br />
| material = [[Silk]]<br />
| official website = <br />
}}<br />
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[[File:Hand loom in Devikapuram.jpg|thumb|A handloom in Arani]]<br />
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'''Arani Silk Sarees''' are traditional [[Silk|silk sarees]] made in the town of [[Arani, Tiruvannamalai|Arani]], located in the Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref>http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/on-campus/gi-can-protect-handicrafts-from-abuse/article4265569.ece</ref> Because these sarees are produced in Arani, the town is often referred to as the '''Silk City of Arani''' or '''Arani Silk City'''.<br />
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A saree is an unstitched cloth usually ranging from four to nine [[yard (unit)|yards]] in length.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tamilnadu.com/fashion/kanchipuram-sari.html|title=Kanchipuram Sari - Tamilnadu|publisher=Tamilnadu.com|date=16 October 2012|access-date=6 November 2015|archive-date=11 April 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411215318/http://tamilnadu.com/fashion/kanchipuram-sari.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The term "sari" is derived from the Sanskrit word "sāḍī", and mentions of sarees can be found in Tamil literature dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries CE.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tamilnadu.com/fashion/madisar-pudavai.html |title=Madisar Pudavai|publisher=Tamilnadu.com|date=5 February 2013}}</ref> Arani silk sarees are known for their intricate zari (gold thread) work.{{fact|date=June 2025}}<br />
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Arani Silk Sarees have received a [[Geographical Indication]] (GI) tag.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-05-02/chennai/27748685_1_silk-fabrics-gi-registry-gi-certification |title=Archived Copy |access-date=2015-11-07 |archive-date=2013-02-16 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216062939/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-05-02/chennai/27748685_1_silk-fabrics-gi-registry-gi-certification |url-status=dead}}</ref> After [[Kanchipuram]], Arani is one of the most renowned centers for silk saree production in Tamil Nadu. It is also the town that contributes the highest revenue within its district.{{fact|date=June 2025}}<br />
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In 2018, Arani Silk Sarees received a national award for excellence in silk production and marketing. The Geographical Indication tag further highlights the unique identity and quality of these sarees.{{fact|date=June 2025}}<br />
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== History of Arani Silk ==<br />
This traditional industry flourished predominantly in Arani and surrounding regions. Inscriptions found in nearby villages like Vadamanadamangalam and [[Devikapuram]] mention the presence of handloom weaving. The silk weaving in Arani began during the [[Vijayanagara Empire]] period and continued to grow during the [[Arni jagir|Arani jagir]] rule and the British era. The first silk weaving unit is believed to have been established by Thambanna Chettiar. The technique of block printing was introduced by Kannaiya Naidu, while dyeing methods using multiple colors were brought in by V. Vijayaraghava Naidu. Over time, the number of weavers and sellers in silk production gradually increased.{{fact|date=June 2025}}<br />
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=== Arani Handloom Silk Cluster ===<br />
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Arani operates one of the largest handloom silk saree clusters in [[Tamil Nadu]], particularly known for using original silver zari threads. More than 35,000 traditional weavers are active in the Arani region.<ref>[https://m.facebook.com/AraniDistrict97/photos/a.315910715778737/533914457311694/?type=3 History and Handloom Cluster of Arani Silk]</ref><br />
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== See also ==<br />
* [[List of geographical indications in India|List of Geographical Indications in Tamil Nadu]]<br />
== External links ==<br />
* [http://tamil.thehindu.com/society/lifestyle/%E0%AE%86%E0%AE%B0%E0%AE%A3%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81-%E0%AE%85%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%BE%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%A8%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4-%E0%AE%AA%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%9F%E0%AF%81/article5459814.ece Arani Silk: The Identity of Arani – The Hindu Tamil]<br />
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==Geographical indication rights==<br />
Arani sari received Intellectual Property Rights Protection or [[Geographical Indication]] (GI) status.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/GI-shield-for-states-silk-fabrics/articleshow/3003039.cms|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130216062939/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-05-02/chennai/27748685_1_silk-fabrics-gi-registry-gi-certification|url-status=live|archive-date=2013-02-16|work=[[The Times of India]]|title=GI shield for state's silk fabrics}}</ref><br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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{{Sari}}<br />
{{Geographical indications in Tamil Nadu}}<br />
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{{clothing-stub}}<br />
{{TamilNadu-stub}}<br />
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[[Category:Geographical indications in Tamil Nadu]]</div>DrusillaSchuster