A densely woven Banarsi silk saree in deep magenta, drawn over end to end with a shikargah jaal — a continuous vine of flowering blooms threaded through with elephants, deer, lions and birds, each figure caught mid-stride within the foliage. The motifs, anchal and border are all woven in zari — silver zari across the body, with a warmer gold-toned zari running through the border, which carries the same animal-and-flower procession along both edges. The anchal closes in fine zari striping above a knotted fringe. Handwoven in Varanasi on a traditional pit loom.
Shikargah is the most demanding of the Banarsi vocabularies: the weaver is not repeating one motif but placing a whole populated landscape, animal by animal, across five and a half metres without ever losing the rhythm of the vine that carries them. At this density the loom moves slowly — about forty-two days for a single piece — and every figure has to be counted into the warp before it can surface on the cloth. That accumulation of time is what separates a Banarsi from a printed textile, and why no two shikargah drapes come off the loom quite alike.
Styling Note
Drapes best in the classic Nivi style, where the jaal reads continuously down the pleats and the animal border stays visible along the hem. Antique-gold or temple jewellery sits comfortably against the silver zari without competing with it, and polki or uncut-stone pieces work equally well. A deep magenta or aubergine blouse in raw silk keeps the eye on the weave, while an antique-gold brocade blouse picks up the border instead.
Caring for Your Handloom
A handloom saree is not just worn — it is preserved, rested, and cared for over time.
After wearing, allow the saree to settle gently. Dry clean only, so the weave, colour, and zari remain protected. When storing, wrap it in a soft muslin cloth and keep it in a dry place. Zari is delicate and responds to changes in weather; the muslin helps the textile breathe while keeping the weave stable.
Avoid spraying perfume directly onto the saree, as fragrance and alcohol can affect the fabric and zari. Every few months, open it out and let it air naturally for a while — a small ritual that allows the weave to breathe and helps the saree stay beautiful for years.
For any specific care requirements, please contact us on +91 73032 57788.
Every Stuti Weaves saree is woven to a standard width of 44–46 inches.
