Image Source: Free Press Journal
In a breathtaking tribute to India’s textile legacy, Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda turned heads and stirred hearts as she walked the runway in a 100-year-old Paithani saree—an heirloom steeped in history, artistry, and royal elegance. The occasion was the couture showcase Naad – The Sound of the Looms, curated by designer Vaishali Shadangule to mark National Handloom Day.
The saree, a nine-yard Nauvari Paithani, was not just a garment—it was a living artifact. Woven in rural Maharashtra a century ago, it had once graced the halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York during the 1985 “Royal India” exhibition curated by Martand Singh and Diana Vreeland. Since then, it had been carefully preserved, shielded from light and air, waiting for its moment to shine again.
A Royal Revival
Radhikaraje Gaekwad, known for her advocacy of heritage and handloom, paired the antique silk saree with Vaishali’s signature corded blouse, blending regal tradition with contemporary design. Her appearance was more than a fashion statement—it was a cultural moment.
“This Handloom Day, I finally got to fulfill that promise,” she wrote on Instagram. “Exactly 40 years ago, this saree was last seen at the Met Gala exhibition. It has since been rolled up and tenderly kept away. Happy to share its journey from a remote Maharashtra village to a New York museum, the boudoir of a palace to a Delhi runway.”
Her walk was met with awe and admiration, as the audience witnessed a century-old textile come alive once more—its vibrant pink hues, intricate peacock and lotus motifs, and rich zari work glowing under the spotlight.
The Legacy of Paithani
The Paithani saree traces its origins to Paithan, near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, and dates back over 2,000 years. Revered in ancient Buddhist and Hindu texts as Dev Vastra—the “fabric of the gods”—Paithani sarees were traditionally woven with silk from China and pure gold threads.
Known for their vivid colors and luxurious texture, Paithanis often feature peacock and lotus motifs symbolizing grace, purity, and prosperity. Crafting a six-yard Paithani requires approximately 500 grams of silk and 250 grams of zari. The nine-yard Nauvari version demands even more skill, time, and material—often taking months to complete.
Each Paithani is a unique work of art, carrying the signature of its weaver, the influence of traders, and the aura of its wearers. Passed down through generations, these sarees become treasured family heirlooms, embodying stories, milestones, and memories.
Voices from the Loom
Speaking to ANI, Radhikaraje reflected on the timelessness of craft:
“The beauty of handloom is that it’s classic. It can adapt to any fashion because it has endured for centuries. You just have to give it your personality—it’s completely malleable.”
Designer Vaishali Shadangule echoed this sentiment, saying, “Naad is about the sound of the loom, the heartbeat of our weaving communities. We wanted to celebrate that rhythm, that soul.”
The showcase featured 52 couture looks from seven different states, including Banarasi, Chanderi, Jamdani, Maheshwari, and of course, Paithani. It was a collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles and the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, aimed at spotlighting India’s 35 lakh-plus weavers—72% of whom are women.
A Cultural Statement
The revival of Radhikaraje’s saree is more than a fashion moment—it’s a call to preserve and celebrate India’s handloom heritage. In an age of fast fashion and mass production, heirloom textiles like Paithani remind us of the value of craftsmanship, patience, and legacy.
From the looms of Paithan to the halls of the Met, from royal wardrobes to modern runways, the journey of this saree is a testament to the enduring power of tradition.
Sources: DNA India, Times Now, MSN, LiveMint
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