The Indian saree is forever, and the unspoken secret of its eternity is- not just the unmatched elegance it carries, the sensuous appeal it exudes with a layer of quiet modesty, or the culture it expresses through every detail- the saree has been a wardrobe ruler for the endless variants and versions it has been. Our previous two blogs were all about sarees from different states of India. This post takes the list ahead- read on!
1. Kosa Silk Sarees
Often used synonymously with Tussar Silk, Kosa Silk is woven from Antheraea Mylittaussar, a variant of the broader group of tussar wild moths. However, Kosa Silk sarees are indigenous to the Champa and Korba districts of Chhattisgarh. These traditional sarees stand out for their rich texture and resilience, making them a perfect gift or souvenir from the region. Although their popularity is relatively confined, Kosa silk sarees carry a royal history of patronage from the Gupta, Maurya, and Mughal empires.
2. Dumvum Saree
Sikkim’s cultural outfit for women is a nuanced version of the classic six-yard, where the saree is ankle-length and paired with a loose blouse (Tago) rather than a fitted bustier. A Nyamrek belt and Taro cap complete the ensemble, occasionally with a Gorey scarf add-on to cover the head.
3. Gadwal Sarees
Cotton sarees with silk borders and pallu- the Gadwal variant of the Indian saree is a perfect blend of comfort and aesthetics. These vibrant, colourful drapes get their identity from the Gadwal district of Telangana, where handloom artisans weave the saree body and edges separately, and later join them using the Kupadam or Kottu technique. The use of cotton and silk together makes them ideal for ceremonial occasions as well as everyday wear.
4. Kunbi Sarees
A legacy of the Kunbi tribe in Goa, these sarees were traditionally worn by women working in the fields. Kunbi Sarees are made with cotton and have bold, checkered patterns. However, their draping style is starkly different from the regular pleats and folds; they reach just below the knees for easy movement in farming spaces. While Kunbi sarees have survived the Portuguese era in Goa, they are one of the lesser-known saree variants in India. Currently, the state is trying to revive this ancient handloom art and place it on the global map as an expression of its rich cultural heritage.
5. Rignai-Risa
In Tripura, the traditional dress is a coordinated set of a wraparound skirt (Rignai) and a top (Risa), which together appear like a saree. The set often consists of a third component- the Rikutu, which is wrapped to resemble a saree pallu. The colour palette is usually red, green, and white for ceremonial wear, while earthy tones of red and brown, yellow, and orange are popular hues. The Rignai-Risa ensemble is quite like the Mekhela Chador- the two-piece cultural dress code of Assam, which is also draped like a saree.
6. Maheshwari Sarees
These floral-inspired sarees, woven using cotton and silk yarns, became a popular trading commodity during the reign of Rani Ahilya Bai. These handwoven sarees have a standout feature- a five-striped pallu and reversible borders, which are meticulously handwoven in the looms of Madhya Pradesh.
7. Bomkai Sarees
Indigenous to Odisha, Bomkai Sarees are known for their intricate detailing inspired by mythology and three-dimensional motifs created by weaving an extra weft into the fabric. Bright colour palettes and contrasting borders and pallu elevate the vibrant appeal of the ensemble, making these sarees a perfect choice for weddings and festive occasions.
8. Tant Sarees
A traditional saree of West Bengal- Tant is woven for a perfect balance of comfort and timeless charm. These pure cotton or silk-blend sarees are typically lightweight and breathable, keeping up with the humid climate of the state. The Bengali word ‘tant’ translates to ‘handloom’, signifying the fine artistry and craftsmanship of this cultural dress code.
While we have introduced 28 sarees from 28 states across three blog posts- the rich culture of India has a list that goes on- Biru sarees from Jharkhand, Gharcholas from Gujarat- the evolution and adaptation of the saree has been graceful and forever. After all, a saree is not just a piece of clothing; it is an emotion, a narrative of history, and an ongoing expression of novelty rooted in ethnicity.
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Oct 13 2025