Silk Sarees of India: A Complete Guide to Kanjivaram, Banarasi, Mysore and More
India is home to some of the most extraordinary silk weaving traditions in the world. But for most saree shoppers, the names — Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Mysore silk, Tussar, Chanderi — blur together. Each is distinct, each has its own character, and each suits different occasions and budgets.
Elegant Purple Banarasi Katan Silk Saree. Shop now at Rangoli India.
Banarasi Silk
Woven in Varanasi. Intricate zari motifs woven directly into the fabric. Best for brides and very formal wedding functions. Starts at ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 for simpler weaves. Dry clean only.
Kanjivaram (Kanchipuram) Silk
Woven in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The korvai technique creates the signature contrast body and border. Heavier and more lustrous than Banarasi. Starts at ₹12,000 to ₹15,000. Dry clean only, store rolled in muslin.
Turquoise and Yellow Silk Kanjivaram Saree. Shop now at Rangoli India.
Mysore Silk
Softer and lighter than Banarasi or Kanjivaram, with a smooth, fluid drape and natural lustre. Simpler designs — solid colours with woven borders. More wearable for everyday special occasions. ₹4,000 to ₹15,000.
Tussar Silk
Wild silk with a natural, textured appearance and warm, golden or ivory tone. Holds colour and print beautifully. Ideal for hand-painted and block-print sarees. ₹3,000 to ₹20,000.
Chanderi Silk
Lightweight, sheer silk-cotton blend from Madhya Pradesh. Woven coin motifs and delicate floral patterns. The most wearable everyday silk option. ₹2,500 to ₹12,000.
How to Tell Real Silk from Synthetic
The burn test: real silk smells like burnt hair and leaves a crushable ash. Synthetic fibres melt, smell of plastic, and leave a hard bead. Look for the Silk Mark certification from the Central Silk Board of India.
Further Reading from the Rangoli Journal:
→ Why Banarasi Silk Is Still the Most Coveted Weave in India
→ Banarasi vs Katan Silk: What's the Difference and Which Should You Buy?
→ Temple Border Sarees: The Classic That Never Goes Out of Style
Shop Silk Sarees at Rangoli India
Our collection includes Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Tussar, Chanderi, and more — all with complete fabric descriptions on every listing.
Free shipping across India. COD available.