MUSCAT: ‘Navyathanchal: Celebrating Saris’, a coffee table book, was launched recently by Rangrez Oman, the artist group of the Indian Social Club (ISC).
This 124-page book serves as a tribute to the weavers who have preserved and enriched this heritage for generations.
The colourful book showcases the skills and creativity of weavers and artisans who produce saris using different yarns, fabrics, colours, patterns, and embellishments. The sari is a traditional garment worn by women in India and other parts of South Asia and is one of the oldest forms of clothing, known for its versatility and adaptability.
Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to Oman, released the book and emphasised that the sari is not merely a piece of clothing in India but an integral part of the culture, tradition, and identity of the nation.
Narang expressed his appreciation for ‘Navyathanchal,’ stating that it pays homage to the rich heritage of Indian saris and displayed the incredible variety that emerges from different regions of India. From the vibrant and colorful silk saris of South India to the understated elegance of the cotton saris of West Bengal, the book highlights the diverse beauty of this traditional attire.
The ambassador commended the team behind ‘Navyathanchal’ for their vision and commitment to bringing this book to life. He expressed hope that it would inspire a new generation of weavers, designers, and sari enthusiasts to continue appreciating and celebrating this art form.
The book features details about various sari forms, including Ajrakh, Pochampally, Taant, and popular ones like Chikankari, Kasavu, and Kanjeevaram. It also includes useful tips for sari care.
Sushmita Gupta, Convenor of Rangrez, describes the book as a journey into a world of beauty, colour, and tradition that pays tribute to the skill, dedication, and creativity of the weavers who breathe life into saris.
Sushmita explained that each sari needed to be accurately portrayed on the canvas, paying close attention to its border or ‘pallu’. While they selected 28 saris in alphabetical order for the book, Sushmita acknowledges that there are numerous others that could have been included.
Dr Madhurani Sawanth who worked on the painting of Dongria sari says her immense passion for wearing and collecting various traditional saris from all over India, especially towards Dongria because of its mesmerising vibrant colours used in handwoven cotton fabric. “The exquisite traditional geometrical and simple designs woven into it can make any woman look so graceful,” she adds.
Shalini Kartik, the curator and, collector of saris, explains that the book provides insights into the history, symbolism, and artistry of saris. “It also showcases how artists have recreated these stunning saris as paintings, reflecting their personal experiences and perspectives,” she adds.
Babu Rajandran offered expert advice and guidance, while textile designer K Venketasan and MAH Design Strategy provided input for the book’s design. Joaquim Mascarenhas and Yamini Sriram supported the project, with project coordination by Sushmita Gupta, Shalini Varma, Shalini Kartik, and Uma Gopinath.
Designed by Akanksha Kartik and edited by Shalini Varma and Harini Kumar, the book has colourful photographs by Tariq Ansari, Bahar Alamy, DSource, and Google Images.
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