Banarasi Sarees - Mashru

Buy Mashroo Banarasi Saree 

A Pure Mashroo Banarasi saree is a mix of two rich textile traditions: Mashroo from Gujarat and Banarasi brocade from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, depicting the artistry of Indian heritage at its core. The term “Mashroo” has been derived from the Arabic word “Mashroo,” which means “approved,” and this fabric evolved as a solution that harmonised luxury with devotion. Mashroo is a rare fabric woven with a silk warp and a cotton weft, designed to give the wearer the glossy finish of silk on the outside while allowing the fabric to touch the skin. This combination was significant in Islamic culture, where wearing pure silk was prohibited for men. 

What is the Difference Between a Mashroo and a Banarasi Saree?

Mashroo is an ancient handwoven textile originally known for its double-textured weave—lustrous silk on the outside and super soft cotton on the inside, making it both royal in look and comfy to wear. It was made during the medieval period in Gujarat and Kutch and was essentially worn by Muslim nobility, as religious norms forbade them from wearing pure silk directly on the skin.

The unique weave, where only the silk threads appear on the exterior surface, allowed them to uphold both luxury and observance. Rich in cultural value, Mashroo silk sarees often feature traditional techniques like ikat, bandhani, or resist dyeing, with a naturally glossy finish and vibrant colour palette. While not as heavy as brocaded silks, they offer enough silhouette to drape gracefully, making them an ideal pick for long hours and modern styling rooted in cultural lineage.

Banarasi Saree

The Banarasi saree is an undisputable icon of Indian textile heritage, essentially woven in Varanasi using fine silk and often embellished with intricate zari work in gold or silver thread. Originating from the Mughal period and further polished and evolved by migrating Gujarati weavers in the 17th century, the Banarasi weave is celebrated for its opulence, featuring elaborate motifs such as floral vines, Mughal bootis, and temple borders.

Traditionally worn by brides and during ceremonial occasions, Banarasi sarees are known for their weight, richness, and the time-intensive craftsmanship associated with them, some taking weeks to months to complete. With a GI (Geographical Indication) tag protecting its authenticity, the Banarasi saree is more than a garment; it is a legacy of north Indian artisanal excellence, known for its timeless grandeur and ornate accents.

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Buy Mashroo Banarasi Saree 

A Pure Mashroo Banarasi saree is a mix of two rich textile traditions: Mashroo from Gujarat and Banarasi brocade from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, depicting the artistry of Indian heritage at its core. The term “Mashroo” has been derived from the Arabic word “Mashroo,” which means “approved,” and this fabric evolved as a solution that harmonised luxury with devotion. Mashroo is a rare fabric woven with a silk warp and a cotton weft, designed to give the wearer the glossy finish of silk on the outside while allowing the fabric to touch the skin. This combination was significant in Islamic culture, where wearing pure silk was prohibited for men. 

What is the Difference Between a Mashroo and a Banarasi Saree?

Mashroo is an ancient handwoven textile originally known for its double-textured weave—lustrous silk on the outside and super soft cotton on the inside, making it both royal in look and comfy to wear. It was made during the medieval period in Gujarat and Kutch and was essentially worn by Muslim nobility, as religious norms forbade them from wearing pure silk directly on the skin.

The unique weave, where only the silk threads appear on the exterior surface, allowed them to uphold both luxury and observance. Rich in cultural value, Mashroo silk sarees often feature traditional techniques like ikat, bandhani, or resist dyeing, with a naturally glossy finish and vibrant colour palette. While not as heavy as brocaded silks, they offer enough silhouette to drape gracefully, making them an ideal pick for long hours and modern styling rooted in cultural lineage.

Banarasi Saree

The Banarasi saree is an undisputable icon of Indian textile heritage, essentially woven in Varanasi using fine silk and often embellished with intricate zari work in gold or silver thread. Originating from the Mughal period and further polished and evolved by migrating Gujarati weavers in the 17th century, the Banarasi weave is celebrated for its opulence, featuring elaborate motifs such as floral vines, Mughal bootis, and temple borders.

Traditionally worn by brides and during ceremonial occasions, Banarasi sarees are known for their weight, richness, and the time-intensive craftsmanship associated with them, some taking weeks to months to complete. With a GI (Geographical Indication) tag protecting its authenticity, the Banarasi saree is more than a garment; it is a legacy of north Indian artisanal excellence, known for its timeless grandeur and ornate accents.

How Is a Mashroo Banarasi Saree Made?

The process of creating Mashroo begins on a manual pit loom, primarily using fine silk threads for the vertical warp and soft cotton threads for the horizontal weft. The weaver utilises several shafts to lift specific threads, forming a tightly woven satin weave that prominently features the silk on the front of the fabric while concealing the cotton underneath. After weaving, the fabric is sometimes finished with a soft wash and a classic starch polish—often made from rice or wheat—to enhance its natural shimmer. The result is a fabric that is both durable and gentle.

What Makes Mashroo Banarasi Saree Different from Others?

What sets the Mashroo Banarasi silk saree online apart from other sarees is its dual nature: the external silk gives it an elegant, polished look, while the cotton inside offers unmatched comfort for all-day wear. Unlike pure silk Banarasi sarees that can feel thick and comforting, Mashroo falls smoothly. The signature weave also has geometric and ikat-inspired designs, unlike the floral and paisley-heavy motifs common in regular Banarasi brocades. It’s this ability to combine design richness with practical wearability that makes Mashroo truly special.

Why Choose Mashroo Banarasi Sarees by Priyanka Raajiv?

Designer Priyanka Raajiv has taken this age-old Mashroo technique and accentuated it by mixing it with Banarasi artistry. Our unparalleled Mashroo Banarasi sarees collection retains the rich surface sheen of silk but offers a softer touch and feel thanks to the cotton lining.

The Banarasi features—intricate motifs, elaborate borders, and zari details—are woven right into the Mashroo base, creating a fabric that feels both royal and deeply rooted. What’s more, we ensure that this fabric is not just for occasion wear but is lightweight, breathable, and flexible for modernity.

  • At a time when handloom traditions are being swapped by mass production, this revival of Mashroo through Banarasi sarees is about custodianship.
  • It’s about honouring a material that once served royal courts and deeply personal cultural beliefs.
  • With every Mashroo Banarasi saree online for women, you’re wearing history—woven by hand, passed through myriad generations, and brought back to life in a form that fits effortlessly into today’s world.