Intricate craftsmanship
Balaramapuram’s weaving heritage began some 300 years ago in the 19th century during the reign of Kerala's royal family, the Thiruvithamkurs. Their chief minister, Ummini Thampi, brought weavers from Tirunalveli’s Valliyoor to settle in Balaramapuram. These weavers belonged to the Shalia or Chalia community, who arrived to cater to the royal needs for fine drapes. The king, Maharaja Balarama Varma, helped the community start their businesses by allotting them separate streets within the kingdom.
What began as a royal wardrobe project blossomed further. The exquisite cotton handlooms of Balaramapuram, imbued with generations of Shalia skill, became a legend. It grew vast and soon other communities too learnt the craft of weaving. Today, the rhythmic symphony of the looms in Balaramapuram employs weavers from various communities such as Ezhava, Nadar, Nair, and Mukkuva - especially those struggling to make ends meet.
Time-honoured tradition
There are a couple of reasons why Balaramapuram’s fabrics are so popular. Balaramapuram's magic lies in its cotton yarn, spun so fine that it feels like a whispered caress. The sarees possess a golden glow owing to the use of pure gold threads known as zari (locally known as Kasavu in Malayalam) for borders. No bleaching or dyeing of the fabrics is carried out, they are a natural grey or off white in colour. The golden zari on white and grey fabrics shimmer like moonlight on water. Balaramapuram fabrics are one of the most eco-friendly textiles. Their looms are created from bamboo and are gentle on the environment while they protect the delicate gold threads of zari.
The sarees are ribbed masterpiece; a unique weave creates a mesmerizing ripple effect in the borders. This ribbed weaving is a signature style in Balaramapuram's artistry. Few motifs are used in Balaramapuram saree but they are mostly woven with golden zari threads. At times, a special temple border with intricate kuri designs adorn sarees, dhotis, and set mundus. The result of Balaramapuram’s weaving are fine draperies with an elegance fitting royals.