Baluchari

Baluchari Sarees are made in Bisnupur district of West Bengal. A Baluchari saree is a great product to be worn in social events such as wedding etc. Intricate and Rich motifs through length of the saree and a grand palla is the noticeable aspect of Baluchari Saree. Most Baluchari Sarees have artwork depicting incidents from mythology. Baluchari sarees are completely handwoven in jacquard looms over days by skilled artisans. 

Different types of Baluchari are:

a. Baluchari Without Minakari - These are Baluchari Sarees in which the motifs are made with single colored single threads

b. Baluchari Minakari - These are the standard most noticeable range of Baluchari sarees in which the motifs and palla are made with contrasting colored threads giving it a rich resplendent look

c. Swarnachari Baluchari - Swarnachari sarees have motifs made with zari which lends a shimmer to this range of sarees

d. Allover Minakari work Baluchari - The artwork is denser and richer with temple design in the bottom half of the saree along the length of it

Presently and very unfortunately, the designs have been copied by unscrupulous players and market is generally flooded with these imitation Balucharis which are sold at a fraction of a price of an Authentic Baluchari Saree. To verify authenticty of a Baluchari, look at the obverse side of the saree. An authentic Baluchari having been made in a handloom will not have any cut threads. Strands of yarn would beautifully woven in an authentic baluchari. Also, the weight of a typical traditional Baluchari would be 450 gm to 550 gm, swarnachari would weigh 620 gm to 670 gm. 

The prices of authentic baluchari are high on account of the premium quality and natural variety of Silk being used in high quantities leads to a significant cost. Further, a skilled artisan weaves it over many days. Weaving is preceded dyeing of silk and drying of the same. All this involves manual work which leads to high labour cost. A loom a churn 50-80 such sarees in a year. Thus, in order to recover the capital cost of a loom the charge of using a loom is also high. All this leads to the high cost of Baluchari. In spite of the high price, a Baluchari saree with its ornate and elegant design is an excellent choice compared with a Benarasi saree on a like-to-like price versus intricacy comparison. 

To identify and buy Baluchari online, you may zoom in to the images provided. Look for minor imperfections in motifs which would be characteristic of any handmade product. Further, ask the seller to send the reverse side photograph. Also, ask them the weight of the saree. These factors in totality would simplify your decision of a Baluchari saree purchase.