Tip for Buying Kanchipuram Saris in India

Kancheepuram Pure Silk Sarees. Indian Wedding and Bridal Sarees

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History has it that Kancheepuram rose to eminence during Krishna-Deva Raya's reign, when two weaving communities - the Devangas and the Saligars transmigrated to Kancheepuram from Andhra Pradesh. Primarily because within this seemingly minuscule town there were more than 129 finely crafted temples. And silk was always considered the ceremonial wear at religious rituals and weddings. The Devanga and Saligar weavers were reputed for their weaving silks. Every Kancheepuram silk Saree is amongst the most superior silks in the world. Thanks to its double warp and double weft. Besides which, the gold in the motifs is incorporated by dipping the silk thread into liquid gold and silver. This enhances the beauty and the value of the silk. (Kancheepuram Sarees are also known as Kanchipuram and Kancheevaram and sometimes Kanchivaram Sarees!)

Silk saris from Kanchipuram, in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, are amongst the finest saris in India. As is to be expected, there are a lot of fakes out there. Sometimes, it's not easy to spot them either.
Fortunately, new legislation was recently introduced to regulate the Kanchipuram silk sari brand. Only 21 cooperative silk societies and 10 individual weavers have been authorized to use the term under the the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999. Any other merchants, including textile mill owners in Chennai, who claim to be selling Kanchipuram silk saris can be fined or jailed.
What to do if you're buying a Kanchipuram silk sari? Make sure you look out for the special GI tag that comes with authentic saris.