TheDepartment of Handlooms and Textiles has applied for Geographical Indicator (GI) Status for Thirubuvanam silk saris.
The application was submitted to the Registry of Geographical Indication by the department on behalf of Thirubuvanam Silk Handloom Weavers Co-operative Production and Sale Society Limited (THICO Silks). Thirubuvanam is a town located near Kumbakonam.
Like most other commercial silk saris, Thirubuvanam silks are also made from domesticated silkworm of Genus Bombyx, said P. Sanjay Gandhi, additional government pleader, Madras High Court, who represents the department.
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Thirubuvanam silk saris are crafted by handlooms as against the contemporary idea of power-operated or automated looms.
Weavers at Thirubuvanam silks also make use of a number of design motifs specially attributed to them.
The saris weigh from 450 to 1,250 gm each and conventionally measure about 12 feet in length and 4 feet in breadth. Notably, this is the only society with an ISO mark.
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“The Thirubuvanam variety of silk sari is smooth as it is woven in two-ply warp style,” said Mr. Gandhi. The ‘pallu’ is woven continuously on the loom and runs on from the body of the sari.
Another specialty is that the saris use filature silk for both warp and weft, resulting in high quality, uniform, and high-lustre garments.