Varanasi Handloom & Banarasi Silk Markets Quiz: Chowk, Peeli Kothi & GI Weaves

Varanasi: The Timeless Epicentre of Indian Handloom Brocades

Varanasi (Banaras) in Uttar Pradesh has preserved the world's finest handloom silk weaving traditions for centuries. Protected under Geographical Indication (GI), authentic Banarasi sarees are legendary for their intricate zari brocades, Persian floral motifs, and luxurious weight.

Key Banarasi Weaving Varieties

• Katan Silk: Pure mulberry silk yarn made by twisting multiple silk filaments together, producing a firm, smooth, and lustrous base ideal for bridal sarees.
• Kadhwa Weaving: The most prestigious handloom technique where each zari buti or floral motif is individually engraved on the loom using separate bobbins. It leaves zero loose float threads on the reverse side.
• Fekwa (Cutwork) Weaving: A faster technique where weft zari threads run across the entire width of the saree and are later trimmed by hand, leaving small clipped float ends on the back.
• Tanchoi: A satin-weave silk saree featuring intricate jamawar paisleys woven purely with multi-colored silk weft threads, with no metal zari.
• Jangla: An opulent all-over scrolling vine pattern (bel) depicting hunting scenes, flora, and fauna across the body.

Varanasi Wholesale Sourcing Bazaars

• Chowk & Thatheri Bazaar: The historic walled-city commercial node housing multi-generational silk merchants and wedding basta showrooms.
• Peeli Kothi (Golaghat): The primary traditional hub where Ansaris (master weavers) and gaddis wholesale pure handloom pieces straight from the pit looms.
• Madanpura & Lallapura: The core weaver mohallas operating thousands of pit looms and jacquard frames.

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