26 Types of Silk Sarees in India: Names, Images and Price Guide

India produces more varieties of silk saree than any other country, each one woven from a distinct silk type, in a distinct region, using a weaving tradition that in many cases predates the Mughal era. There are 26 main types of silk sarees from India, ranging from the nine-month production cycle of a Patan Patola to the rapidly woven everyday cotton-silk blends of Narayanpet.

This guide covers all 26, with their origin state, defining characteristics, price range, and the occasions they suit. For a broader view of how regional saree styles vary across India, read our guide to regional sarees from India.

Silk Saree Types: Quick Reference: Name, Origin and Price

The table below gives a complete overview of all 26 types of Indian silk sarees, their origin state, price range, and best occasion. This is the most commonly searched format for silk saree information online.

All 26 Types of Silk Sarees: Detailed Guide

1. Assam Silk Sarees: Muga, Pat and Eri

Assam produces three distinct varieties of silk, each from a different silkworm species, making it the only state in India with a triple-silk tradition. The silk industry in Assam is centred in Sualkuchi, known as the Manchester of Assam, where handloom weaving has been practised for centuries.

Muga Silk Saree

Muga silk is produced from the Antheraea assamensis silkworm, which feeds on aromatic plants native to Assam. The silk has a natural golden sheen that intensifies with each wash, the opposite of most fabrics, which dull over time. Muga is the only naturally golden silk in the world and is a GI-tagged product. The silk is first dyed, then bleached, before being woven into the traditional Assamese mekhela chadar. Price: INR 5,000 onwards.

Pat (Paat) Silk Saree

Pat silk comes from the Bombyx texter silkworm on mulberry leaves. It is bright white or off-white, lightweight, and durable. Woven with traditional motifs of flowers, human figures, and animals around the border, it is the preferred fabric for Assamese brides and festive occasions. The lustrous, cool-to-touch fabric is similar to Kanjivaram in its weaving complexity but distinctly different in appearance.

Eri Silk Saree

Eri silk, produced from the ailanthus silkmoth feeding on castor oil plant leaves, is known as non-violent or ahimsa silk because the cocoon is open-ended, the silk is harvested after the moth exits naturally, without killing it. This makes Eri a popular choice among buyers who prefer ethically sourced textiles. It has a rough, warm texture and is less lustrous than Muga or Pat silk, but is exceptionally durable.

For a complete overview of how Assam silk fits within India’s broader saree geography, read our saree styles by state guide.

2. Art Silk Sarees (Artificial Silk / Rayon)

Art silk (artificial silk) is produced from synthetic or semi-synthetic fibres, primarily rayon, nylon, and polyester, that mimic the appearance of natural silk at a fraction of the cost. First produced commercially in the 1890s from cellulose fibre, art silk permanently replaced natural silk in many applications due to its affordability and accessibility.

Art silk sarees are the most accessible entry point into the silk saree category. Price starts from INR 1,000. The key distinguishing test between art silk and pure silk: rub a small portion in the hand (pure silk generates heat, art silk does not), or perform a burn test on a single thread from the fringe (pure silk smells of burnt hair, art silk smells of chemicals).

3. Banarasi Silk Sarees

The Banarasi silk saree from Varanasi (also called Banaras or Benares) is the most iconic Indian bridal saree. It is a Banarasi silk woven with gold and silver brocade or zari work, with intricate floral and foliate motifs, kalga and bel patterns, and the characteristic jhallar (string of upright leaves) at the outer border edge.

Banarasi sarees come in four primary types based on fabric: pure silk (Katan), Organza with zari (Kora), Georgette, and Shattir. By weave design they are classified as Jangla, Tanchoi, Vaskat, Cutwork, Tissue, and Butidar. Production time ranges from 15 days for simpler designs to six months for the most elaborate bridal pieces. Price: INR 20,000 to 2,00,000.

For a complete deep-dive on Banarasi varieties, read our guide to types of Banarasi silk sarees.

4. Baluchari Silk Sarees

The Baluchari silk saree originates from the village of Baluchar in Murshidabad, West Bengal, though it is now primarily woven in Bishnupur. Its defining characteristic is the mythological narrative pallu, scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana woven directly into the pallu panel using a complex supplementary weft technique. The weave won National Awards in 2009 and 2010.

Historical Baluchari pallus depicted court scenes from the Nawab era, women smoking hookahs, nawabs in horse carriages, British East India Company officers. Contemporary versions focus on epic narrative scenes. Each saree takes approximately one week to complete. Price: INR 20,000 to 2,00,000. For more on this tradition, read our Baluchari silk saree guide.

5. Bomkai Silk Sarees

Bomkai silk sarees come from Bomkai in Ganjam district, Odisha, and are also known as Sonepuri saris. They appear in fashion shows and are recognised for their distinctive fish motifs, considered a symbol of success and affluence in Odishan tradition, woven into the body fabric. Contemporary Bomkai sarees include modern designs while retaining the traditional border and pallu treatment. Price: INR 10,000 to 50,000.

6. Bhagalpuri Silk / Tussar Silk Sarees

Bhagalpuri silk, also called Tussar silk or Kosa silk (from the Sanskrit kosa), comes from the Antheraea moth larvae and is primarily produced in Jharkhand, though its name comes from Bhagalpur in Bihar where the tradition is more than a century old. Its most distinctive quality is the natural deep gold colour and the rich texture that reflects two different shades at different angles. Designers including Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra have worked extensively with this fabric. Price: INR 2,500 onwards. Read our Bhagalpuri silk saree styling guide for more.

7. Banglori Silk Sarees

Banglori silk sarees originate from Basavanagudi in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The first Bangalore silk was woven with dark hues and gold threads at the pallu, the traditional style that still defines premium Banglori silk. Contemporary Banglori silk comes in double-colour weaves, printed crepe silk, and reversible designs, with the printed Banglori becoming especially popular with younger buyers. Price: INR 10,000 onwards.

8. Chanderi Silk Sarees

Chanderi silk sarees come from Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh and are known for their exceptional lightness and transparency. The sheer, luminous texture makes them ideal for summer and all-day wear. Chanderi is woven in three variants: pure silk, silk-cotton blend, and pure cotton. The design vocabulary includes traditional coin motifs, floral art, peacocks, and geometric designs in gold and silver brocade. Price: INR 3,500 onwards.

9. Dharmavaram Silk Sarees

Dharmavaram silk sarees come from Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, and are the primary bridal saree of the South. They are distinguished by gold-plated borders, and brocaded patterns with elephant designs, peacocks, and temple borders that express the region’s religious culture through weave. The sarees suit all body types and age groups, and carry as much ceremonial weight in Andhra as the Kanjivaram does in Tamil Nadu. Price: INR 10,000 to 1,50,000.

10. Gadwal Silk Sarees

Gadwal silk sarees from Gadwal, Telangana, have a structural uniqueness found nowhere else: the body is woven in cotton while the border is pure silk, two different fibres joined at the border by a traditional Kupadam weave technique. This hybrid construction makes the saree lightweight and comfortable while giving it the visual richness of a silk border. The entire saree folds to the size of a matchbox, making it exceptionally portable. Price: INR 30,000 onwards. Read our Gadwal silk sarees guide for the full tradition.

11. Kanjivaram / Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

The Kanjivaram silk saree, also written as Kanchipuram, is the most prestigious silk saree in India. Woven in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, from pure mulberry silk with zari from Surat, Gujarat, it is distinguished by a unique construction technique: the body and the border are woven separately on different shuttles (three shuttles total) and interlocked with a zig-zag join. This makes the border and body structurally independent while being visually seamless.

The durability and long-lasting luster of Kanjivaram silk, combined with its contrast border, temple borders, checks, stripes, and floral motifs, make it the first-choice bridal saree for South Indian weddings. Price: INR 15,000 to 5,00,000. Browse our Kanjivaram silk sarees collection, read our Kanchipuram silk sarees guide, or learn how to drape a Kanchipuram saree.

12. Konrad Silk Sarees

Konrad silk sarees are a well-known South Indian temple saree tradition from Tamil Nadu. They are characterised by wide borders (10 to 14 cm) in plain colour with supplementary warp patterning featuring natural elements, flowers, vines, creepers, peacocks, elephants, parrots, and double-headed eagles. The body fabric is less heavy than Kanjivaram but more lustrous, making Konrad sarees a popular choice for temple visits and regular festive occasions. Price: INR 7,000 onwards.

13. Kota Silk Sarees (Kota Doria)

Kota silk sarees, known as Kota Doria or Kota Masuria, are among the lightest sarees available in India. Made from a blend of pure cotton and silk woven in the distinctive square check pattern called chowkdi, they are the ideal summer saree. The unique weaving preparation involves applying onion juice and rice paste to the yarn before weaving, making it strong enough to need no additional finishing treatment. The fabric is used for sarees, salwar kameez, lehengas, and home furnishings. Price: INR 4,000 onwards.

14. Korial Silk Sarees

Korial silk sarees are woven in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal and are the traditional choice for Bengali women at pujas and festive occasions. The word korial means solid or blank, the body of the saree is typically white with a gold or silver zari border. Korial Banarasi is a popular variant that combines the white korial base with elaborate Banarasi-style zari embellishment at the border. The fabric is tissue-like in its lightness and drape quality. Price: INR 1,500 onwards.

15. Mysore Silk Sarees

Mysore silk from Mysuru, Karnataka, is considered the purest form of Indian mulberry silk. It is unusually soft, described as buttery by those who have handled it, and relatively lightweight despite its quality. Manufactured with pure silk and gold zari under government supervision (the Mysore Silk Factory has been government-operated since 1912), Mysore silk sarees are available in an exceptional range of colours and carry a natural luster that holds for decades. Price: INR 6,000 to 20,000.

16. Matka Silk Sarees

Matka silk is crafted from waste Mulberry silk (Bombyx Mori) without removing the sericin protein, which gives the fabric its characteristic roughness, similar in texture to tweed but warmer and more lustrous. Primary production is in Karnataka and Kashmir, with spinning in Malda and Murshidabad, West Bengal. Matka silk sarees are the most accessible natural silk option, considerably less expensive than Kanjivaram or Paithani while still carrying the warmth and visual depth of genuine silk.

17. Narayanpet Silk Sarees

Narayanpet silk sarees from Narayanpet, Telangana, reflect the cultural intersection of Maharashtra and Telangana through their weave, the weavers migrated from the Maratha region and brought their checkered design tradition with them. The distinctive Narayanpet pattern uses zari weaves in the borders and pallu in temple designs, with a checkered body in earthy, dark shades. The sarees are considered daily wear in the region but are used ceremonially across both states. A unique production feature: eight sarees are woven simultaneously on a single loom. Price: INR 1,000 to 6,000.

18. Organza Silk Sarees

Organza is a sheer, lightweight plain-weave fabric traditionally made from silk, though contemporary organza sarees use synthetic alternatives (polyester, nylon) at lower price points. Genuine silk organza comes from organzine, strong silk fibres twisted into yarn and treated with acid to add crispness. The fabric has a unique quality combination: gossamer lightness with a structural crispness that holds ruffle and pleat details exceptionally well. This makes organza sarees particularly popular for evening functions and receptions. Organza sarees and tissue organza blends are widely available. Price: INR 5,000 onwards. For styling options with tissue and organza, read our tissue silk saree guide.

19. Patola Silk Sarees

Patan Patola from Patan, Gujarat, is the most technically complex and most expensive handwoven saree tradition in India. It uses a double ikat weave technique, both warp and weft threads are resist-dyed individually before weaving, requiring the entire final pattern to be pre-calculated in both thread directions simultaneously. A single Patan Patola takes six months to one year to complete and is made by only a handful of Salvi family weavers who have maintained the tradition for generations.

Patola motifs are community-specific: Hindu communities use parrots, flowers, elephants, and dancing figures; Muslim communities use geometric and floral patterns; Maharashtrian Brahmins use the Nari Kunj bird motif on dark borders. Price: INR 1,00,000 to 7,00,000 for genuine Patan Patola. Semi-weave reproductions are available from INR 15,000. Shop Patola silk sarees online, or read our detailed Patola silk saree guide.

20. Paithani Silk Sarees

The Paithani silk saree is the most celebrated textile of Maharashtra, originating from Paithan (ancient Pratishthan) near Aurangabad. Woven by hand from real silver or gold and the purest mulberry silk, it is one of the most expensive handloom sarees in India. The oblique square border pattern and the peacock and lotus pallu motifs, inspired by the Ajanta and Ellora cave paintings, are the defining visual signatures. Paithani comes in three classification axes: by motif, by weaving pattern, and by colour combination.

Traditional colour combinations: green-red, purple-red, yellow-maroon, peacock blue-gold, and magenta-dark green. Price: Pure Paithani INR 60,000 to 5,00,000. Semi-Paithani from INR 25,000. For the full Paithani tradition and cultural context, read our Paithani silk saree guide and our Maharashtrian saree draping guide.

21. Pochampally Silk Sarees (Ikat)

Pochampally silk sarees come from Boodhan Pochampally in Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, a town known as the silk city of India. They use the ikat weave technique (similar to the Patola’s double ikat but typically single ikat) where threads are resist-dyed before weaving to create geometric patterns that permeate the entire fabric. South Indian brides frequently choose Pochampally silk for their wedding saree as an alternative to Kanjivaram. The ikat motifs, elephants, peacocks, floral, and geometric, give the saree a distinctly contemporary-traditional visual that suits both traditional and fusion styling. Price: INR 10,000 onwards.

22. Raw Silk Sarees

Raw silk, known as paat in Assamese, resham in Hindi, and pattu in South Indian languages, is the most natural form of silk fibre available, made from mulberry tree silk cocoons using short and damaged yarns spun together into a textured thread. The resulting fabric has a characteristic slight irregularity in texture combined with a natural lustre. Raw silk sarees are among the most widely used silk sarees for both wedding and formal occasions across India, particularly in the lehenga saree and half saree styles. Price: INR 7,000 onwards.

23. Sambalpuri Silk Sarees

Sambalpuri silk sarees from Sambalpur, Odisha, are defined by the Bandhakala technique, a tie-dye process applied to threads before weaving, similar to ikat, where threads are first tied and dyed, then woven. This pre-weaving dyeing process takes many weeks and creates patterns that appear to float within the fabric rather than sitting on the surface. Traditional motifs include sankha (conch), chakra, flora and fauna, and scenes from Krishna’s Raas Lila.

The Sambalpuri tradition includes four regional sub-varieties: Sonepuri, Pasapali, Bomkai, Barpali, and Bapta. Red, black, and white are the dominant traditional colours, representing Odishan cultural identity. Price: INR 10,000 to 1,00,000.

24. Sournachuri Silk Sarees

Sournachuri is considered the sister tradition of Baluchari, both come from West Bengal and both feature narrative mythological scenes in their weave. The distinction lies in the border treatment: Sournachuri borders are more ornamental, with Kalka motifs and classic Bengali designs of animals, flowers, circles, and fish. Some sarees can represent an entire narrative chapter from the Bhagavad Gita. Available primarily in dark, rich colours. Each saree takes approximately one week to weave. Price: INR 25,000 onwards.

25. Tanchoi Silk Sarees

Tanchoi is a weaving technique, not a geographic origin, where a single or double warp is woven with two to five weft colours in the same shade range. The technique originated in China and was brought to Varanasi by weavers in the 19th century; Banarasi weavers then added gold zari to the technique, creating the distinctly Indian Banarasi Tanchoi. The fabric texture is similar to satin, with small dense weaving patterns across the entire fabric, flowers, birds in flight, peacocks, and parrots. The varieties include Satin Tanchoi, Satin Jari Tanchoi, Atlas (Gilt), and Mushabbar. Price: INR 35,000 onwards.

26. Uppada Silk Sarees

Uppada silk sarees from Uppada beach in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, are woven using the traditional Jamdani method, the same technique used for fine Dhaka muslin, where patterns are woven directly into the sheer fabric during production rather than embroidered after. The result is a saree of exceptional lightness that folds easily into a small box, featuring geometric shapes, flowers, and leaf motifs. Pure silver zari dipped in melted gold is used in the weave, adding a quiet luxury to a fundamentally delicate fabric. Price: INR 5,000 to 20,000.

Types of Silk Sarees by Region: South, East, West, North, Central India

South Indian Silk Sarees (Pattu Sarees)

South India has the richest silk saree tradition in India, with distinct weaving centres in every state. In Tamil, silk sarees are called pattu sarees. The South Indian types are: Kanjivaram (Tamil Nadu), Konrad (Tamil Nadu), Dharmavaram (Andhra Pradesh), Gadwal (Telangana), Pochampally (Telangana), Narayanpet (Telangana), Uppada (Andhra Pradesh), Mysore Silk (Karnataka), and Banglori Silk (Karnataka). For a comparison of the two most prominent South Indian silks, read our Kanjivaram vs Banarasi guide.

East Indian Silk Sarees

East India’s silk tradition centres on Bengal and Odisha. The types are: Baluchari (West Bengal), Korial (West Bengal), Sournachuri (West Bengal), Muga/Pat/Eri (Assam), Bomkai (Odisha), Sambalpuri (Odisha), and Bhagalpuri/Tussar (Bihar/Jharkhand).

West Indian Silk Sarees

Western India’s silk tradition is defined by Gujarat and Maharashtra: Patola (Gujarat) and Paithani (Maharashtra). Both are among the most expensive handloom sarees in India. For the Paithani tradition in depth, read our Maharashtrian saree guide.

North and Central Indian Silk Sarees

North India’s silk saree tradition centres on Varanasi: Banarasi Silk and Tanchoi are both Varanasi traditions. Central India contributes Chanderi Silk from Madhya Pradesh and Kota Silk from Rajasthan, both lightweight cotton-silk blends suited to warmer climates.

Best Types of Silk Sarees for Wedding: Bridal and Guest Guide

For brides, the choice of silk saree type is determined largely by regional tradition. South Indian brides choose Kanjivaram silk. Maharashtrian brides wear Paithani. North Indian brides and inter-regional weddings frequently use Banarasi silk. For a complete guide to silk sarees for weddings, read our bridal silk saree trends guide.

For wedding guests, the most accessible premium silk options that work across all regional wedding contexts are Mysore Silk (elegant and understated), Bhagalpuri/Tussar Silk (contemporary and versatile), and Raw Silk (drapes beautifully in lehenga and nivi styles). Explore our wedding sarees collection for curated options.

For brides looking for the finest silk heritage pieces, the bridal sarees collection includes premium Kanjivaram and silk sarees appropriate for South and North Indian ceremonies. For a modern take on silk saree styling, our modern silk sarees guide covers contemporary design directions across traditional weaving traditions.

Shop Silk Sarees at G3Fashion

Peacock Motif Banarasi Silk Saree

Handwoven Banarasi with peacock pallu, bridal and wedding

Shop Banarasi Silk

Light Pink Zari Worked Silk Saree

Zari silk, perfect for South Indian wedding occasions

Shop Zari Silk Sarees

Navy Silk Saree. Zari Weaving

Classic navy silk with rich zari for ceremonies

Shop All Silk Sarees

Pista Green Silk Saree. Ethnic Luxury

Silk for festive occasions and ceremonies

Shop Tissue Silk

Frequently Asked Questions: Types of Silk Sarees

How many types of silk sarees are there in India?

There are at least 26 well-documented types of silk sarees in India, each from a distinct weaving tradition, geographic origin, and silk type. The major types are Kanjivaram, Banarasi, Paithani, Patola, Baluchari, Mysore Silk, Muga Silk, Chanderi, Tussar, Sambalpuri, Pochampally, Bomkai, Gadwal, Dharmavaram, Tanchoi, Uppada, and Organza Silk, among others. Each Indian state has at least one significant silk saree tradition.

Which is the most expensive silk saree in India?

The Patan Patola from Gujarat is consistently the most expensive handwoven silk saree in India, with genuine pieces starting at INR 1,00,000 and reaching up to INR 7,00,000. Pure Kanjivaram and Banarasi bridal sarees can also reach 2 to 5 lakh rupees for elaborately woven pieces. The Paithani from Maharashtra is similarly priced in the 60,000 to 5,00,000 range for genuine hand-woven pieces.

What is the difference between pattu saree and silk saree?

Pattu is the Tamil and Telugu word for silk. Pattu saree and silk saree refer to the same category of garment. In South India, the word pattu is used specifically for pure mulberry silk sarees (Kanjivaram, Dharmavaram, Gadwal, Pochampally) as distinguished from sarees made with art silk or synthetic fibres. In North India and Maharashtra, the term silk saree is used more broadly to include both natural and synthetic silk variants.

Which silk saree is the lightest and most comfortable for everyday wear?

Chanderi Silk and Kota Doria (cotton-silk blend) are the lightest silk sarees available in India, both suitable for hot weather and all-day wear. Narayanpet Silk is also very light for a silk saree. Among pure silk sarees, Uppada Silk and Mysore Silk are considered the lightest, with a fluid drape that makes them comfortable for extended wear at events and ceremonies.

Which state in India is most famous for silk sarees?

Tamil Nadu is most famous for silk sarees, the Kanjivaram (Kanchipuram) silk saree from Tamil Nadu is India’s most globally recognised and highest-valued silk saree tradition. Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh is equally famous for Banarasi silk sarees, which are India’s most iconic bridal saree. Karnataka (Mysore Silk, Banglori Silk), West Bengal (Baluchari, Murshidabad Silk), and Gujarat (Patola) are also major silk saree states. For the full regional picture, read our saree styles by state guide.

Explore the Complete G3Fashion Silk Saree Collection

From the nine-month production of a Patan Patola to the accessible everyday Chanderi, Indian silk sarees span the full range of price, occasion, and tradition. The type that is right for you depends on your region, occasion, budget, and how you intend to wear and store it over time.

• All Silk Sarees
• Banarasi Silk Sarees
• Kanjivaram Silk Sarees
• Organza Sarees
• Patola Silk Sarees
• Tissue Silk Sarees
• Wedding Sarees
• Bridal Sarees