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Paithani Sarees, a GI tagged handicrafts product of Maharashtra

Photo: NBMSSILKSAREE / Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Handicrafts · Maharashtra

Paithani Sarees

GI Registered Maharashtra Handicrafts
GI numberGI-43
Typical price₹10,000 - ₹4,00,000
Verified cooperativesPaithani Weavers Cooperative
Yeola
StateMaharashtra

About Paithani Sarees

Paithani Sarees are handwoven silk saris from Paithan, near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, and neighbouring weaving centres such as Yeola. They are known for the brilliant colours of the silk, a broad zari border and a rich pallu with motifs such as peacocks, lotuses and parrots. A Paithani is a prized bridal sari in Maharashtra and is often handed down within families.

Heritage and place

Paithan has been a trading and weaving town since ancient times, and the Paithani style reached its peak under the patronage of the Peshwas and other Maratha rulers. After a decline, the craft was revived through cooperatives and government support. The GI protects the name and the weaving method, distinguishing genuine Paithani from powerloom saris and prints that imitate its look.

How it is made

The saris are woven using a tapestry technique, where the weaver uses separate small shuttles to weave each motif into the border and pallu with coloured silk or zari, without cutting the thread. This creates identical designs on both sides of the fabric. A simple Paithani may take a few weeks, while a heavy one with an elaborate pallu can take a year or more.

Registry record

Paithani Sarees is listed in this catalogue as GI-43, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Maharashtra in the handicrafts category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Paithani Sarees

What to check

Check the back of the border and pallu: on a real Paithani the motifs look almost the same as on the front, with small, neat thread ends, and there is no stiff backing. The silk should feel soft and have a deep lustre, and the zari should be genuine, not plastic. Ask for a certificate, look for the GI label, and buy from Paithan weavers, cooperatives and trusted showrooms.

  • Features a rich oblique square border pattern and an identical, pristine finish on both sides of the gold-woven zari pallu.

Price to expect

Genuine Paithani Sarees typically sells in the range of ₹10,000 - ₹4,00,000. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.

Where to buy

Look for authorised sellers such as Paithani Weavers Cooperative, Yeola, or government emporia and cooperatives in Maharashtra.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI-43 · Maharashtra · reviewed

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Paithani Sarees?

This catalogue lists Paithani Sarees as GI-43. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Paithani Sarees made?

Paithani Sarees is produced in Maharashtra, in the handicrafts category of this catalogue.

Can Paithani Sarees legally be made outside Maharashtra?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Maharashtra may legally sell goods under the name “Paithani Sarees”.

What does genuine Paithani Sarees cost?

Genuine Paithani Sarees typically sells in the range of ₹10,000 - ₹4,00,000. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.

How can I spot a fake Paithani Sarees?

Features a rich oblique square border pattern and an identical, pristine finish on both sides of the gold-woven zari pallu.

Where should I buy genuine Paithani Sarees?

Look for authorised sellers such as Paithani Weavers Cooperative, Yeola, or government emporia and cooperatives in Maharashtra.