Saree Fact - The Greeks brought the concept of draping to India. A curious blending of Indian and Greek workmanship was noticeable in women’s costumes. Flaccidity and extension were accorded to the skirt, the outer folds of which looked like a stretched part of the lower garment upwards, to drape the chest and shoulders. This essentiality classical trait became the seed of the modern-day latest fashion sari.

The ‘Draupadi-vastraharan’ in the ‘Mahabharata’ was the first recorded reference to the sari – the longest, most popular style in the history of Indian’s women’s fashion.
Legend has it that when the beauteous Draupadi - wife of the Pandavas - was lost to the enemy clan in a gambling duel, Lord Krishna promised to protect her virtue. The lecherous victors, intent on "bagging" their prize, caught one end of the diaphanous material that draped her so demurely, yet seductively. They continued to pull and unravel, but could reach no end. Virtue triumphed, yet again in this 5,000 year old Indian epic, the Mahabharat. Legend, fantasy, history or fact, it is the first recorded reference to the enduringly attractive SARI - the longest, most popular style in the history of women's fashion.

The sari is mentioned in Hindu literature and is depicted in Hindu paintings as far back as 3000 BC.

In the Deccan region, a bifurcated lowerskirt was worn by men and women, and was referred to as the dhoti. This dhoti style is said to have evolved into the kachchha style of draping by the Maharastrians. Since the region has seen many crusades, it is believed that the kachcha style might have helped women run for protection.

The shortest sari has a width of 18 inches (45.72 cm) and a length of 72 inches (1.83 mts.). The longest sari has a width of 54 inches (1.37 mts) and a length of 288-360 inches (7.31 mts - 9.14 mts).

Some records say that the tradition of silk weaving is less than 150 years old, when cotton saris were woven with silk borders in a tradition that continues today.

Points to remember when you are going to buy a Silk Sari

It takes three weavers at least seven to 10 days to weave a sari measuring 115 cm x 530 cm. So a good silk sari is bound to be expensive.

Beware of discounts, throwaways, half-price sales, unless you know how to recognize good silk.

Always check the weight of the sari – the heavier the silk,the longer it will last.

Ask the dealer if the zari is pure. Imitation zari will turn black in a couple of years. The best way to ascertain the purity of silk is to take a few threads and burn them. Pure silk coagulates and leaves a black powdery residue, different from ash, and emits a faintly unpleasant odour.

‘Pure gold’ zari is a misnomer – zari does not mean actual gold thread. It has, as its core a thread over which a silver wire is twisted and is then dipped in gold.

Your best bet to buy an authentic silk sari will be to buy it from reliable and established outlet.