Uppada Sarees: A Confluence of Two Cultures

Uppada sarees are recognized for their unusual designs, grandiose look, very lightweight nature and durability. It is widely known as Uppada pattu sarees (pattu meaning silk in Telugu). Uppada silk sarees are made using a well-established Jamdani weaving technique.

The lightweight and durable nature of Uppada pattu sarees makes them ideal to wear throughout the year. The beautiful and radiant weave of Uppada sarees has become the preferred choice for women to wear at weddings, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and other South Indian states. The irreplaceable elegance and grandeur of Uppada silk sarees make it more common on special occasions like weddings, festivals, and family gatherings.

Origin and History

Uppada sarees originated from Andhra Pradesh in a tiny beach town of Uppada in the East Godavari district. Uppada pattu sarees are distinguished by the length and breadth count of threads. These sarees are generally produced with cotton warp using a non-mechanical technique along with pure lace made by silver or gold zari to make exquisite designs.

The century-old Jamdani weaving technique is used to craft Uppada silk. The Jamdani weaving method has a notable history that dates back over 300 years. The royal families of Venkatagiri Pithapuram and others have encouraged Jamdani weaving and made it popular across India. However, it witnessed a downfall due to England's industrial revolution during the 19th century.

However, at the end of the 20th century, it experienced a slow resurgence. In the year 1988, the weaving technique of Jamdani was introduced in Uppada. This ancient weaving technique was beautifully revamped and transformed in a new design range, called Uppada silk sarees.

Weaves of Uppada

In the town of Uppada, a single community known as the Padmasalis weave traditional Uppada sarees. These sarees are woven using a cotton warp and are popular for their distinctive designs. Uppada pattu sarees are distinguished by the length and breadth count of threads, utilizing only the non-mechanical method. The softness and quality of the fabric depend upon the count used in the weaving. The count in handloom saree refers to the number of threads woven in a square inch in warp and wept.

In Uppada sarees the count used is 100 in length and 120 in breadth. Weavers use this technique without any mechanical support to weave the traditional Jamdani. Two weavers work on a single loom to make delicate and beautiful designs on Uppada saree using zari work. Uppada sarees are completely hand-crafted, it takes two months to complete a saree and sometimes even more to create a magnificent piece of work.

The making process of the Uppada saree is simple.

• First, the yarn is cleaned and dyed into a pre-decided colour.

• Once the dying process is over, it is stretched to provide extra strength and polished to give the yarn a shine.

• Then it is turned in the Charkha to thin out the polished yarn into threads.

• Lastly, these threads are loaded onto the handlooms to weave the saree.

The Influence of Jamdani

The Jamdani weaving style is believed to be around 300 years old and originated in Bangladesh. Jamdani weavers from Bangladesh migrated to India and a few of them eventually settled in Uppada. The Jamdani technique was introduced in 1988 to Uppada. The main highlight of Uppada Jamdani sarees is their lightweight nature that can be folded to fit inside a matchbox!

Uppada Jamdani sarees come in a variety of designs, which range from a plain zari pallu border to intricately woven textured patterns of paisley motifs, flowers, leaves, creepers, and geometric designs. The influence of Jamdani over Uppada makes it look similar on both sides. The designs on the front side are finely trimmed on the reverse side of the saree. Uppada sarees have become a new fashion statement as they are available in a wide variety of vibrant colours, lightweight and durable. These are also available in a wide range of fabrics like Uppada silk sarees, Uppada cotton tissue sarees and Uppada silver tissue saree.

Jaal

The jaal design is popularly known for its intricate and artistic pattern. The most common jaal design found on Uppada Jamdani sarees carries curvy lines and floral motifs. The jaal motifs all over the saree are hand-embroidered by master craftsmen. These sarees are regal and are the perfect choice to wear at family functions and evening parties.

Vanasingaram

Vanasingaram means the beauty of the forest. The Vanasingaram art is popularly found on Kanchipuram silk sarees. It is an intricate and artistic depiction of a forest scene. It includes trees, flowers, creepers, birds, animals, and many more forest elements that are incorporated into a single pattern.

Butta

The butta design also known as small motifs gives a rich look to any saree. Blue Uppada pattu sarees with butta pattern is a perfect wear for functions, weddings, festivals and even for small events.

Buy Uppada Sarees Online

Uppada sarees are lightweight and durable. Women love to wear comfortable lightweight sarees as it is easy to handle. Kankatala offers a huge range of Uppada pattu sarees online, browse through the stylish saree collection and pick your favourite one. We offer some fascinating designs and patterns of Uppada sarees online within a wide range of collections.

At Kankatala, you can find Uppada pattu sarees with price or Uppada silk sarees with price that is way more competitive to offline stores. Find your perfect Uppada pattu sarees below 2000 with the design featuring floral, jaal, butta, vanasingaram, geometric patterns, and handloom cotton. Check out our beautiful collection of popular silk sarees like Kanchipuram silk, Banaras silk, Kota silk, and make a pick according to your needs, budget, style, and preference.

Is Uppada a handloom?

Yes, Uppada sarees are woven by the handloom weavers using the Jamdani weaving technique. Uppada silk is handwoven and only uses non-mechanical techniques. The saree comes in a variety of fabrics like cotton, silk and also features gold and silver zari work.

Is Uppada silk pure silk?

Yes, Uppada silk sarees are woven using the finest mulberry silk. This is the same silk that is used in the majority of silk sarees that are woven in the South Indian region like Kanchipuram silk, Mysore silk, Pochampally silk saree, and more.

What is Uppada cotton?

Uppada sarees are usually made of cotton warp. However, these sarees are made of cotton and silk, and can also be a combination of both. Cotton makes the saree feel soft, while the silk gives it a smooth, luxurious feel.