Introduction:
Indian sarees have a significant place in the drapery across the world. The vibrant colors, the splendid array of materials, have taken the world by storm. Over the years, the growing demand for a saree is also on the rise and is widely esteemed by people not only as occasion wear but also as every day and staple wear even now. It is significant to note that, many flamboyant motifs were on use right from the time immemorial, and one among them is the Mango, which is called Mangai in Tamil.
The journey of the Mango Motif is quite interesting, where it was initially used in the silk sarees, and later in many beautiful sarees like Kandangi sarees, Ethnic wear, and designer sarees. Now, the design is widespread, and one of the most loved designs by people over the world. Let us introspect the importance of the Mango motif in detail:
Favorite Fruit of Indian Mythology:
Traditionally, the fruit mango carries immense significance. Mango is one of the important fruits, and even Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga were fighting to eat the fruit. It also plays a prominent place in Indian mythology too. Once, after pampering the taste pallets, the motifs are placed on the garment too, decorating the dresses. It has falsified all geographical boundaries and has traveled over newer borders, to decorate the dresses and various garments.
A symbol of fertility:
Known as Mankolamaam in Sanskrit, it is often revered as one of the auspicious designs, and praised as the symbol of fertility. The same mango design is seen more often worn in sarees used for weddings, house warming, baby showers, and other auspicious functions. Lord Kama, the Lord of Love also shoots the arrow at the Gods, with mango flower tipped arrows.
Persian influence of Mango Motif:
Throughout history, there are many travelers, especially Buddhist Monks, and Persians, who crossed India and got immensely carried away by the fruit, and also with the design of Mango. It is prominently known as a paisley design, which is ornamental textile design. Paisley design is also referred to as the kidney design, which has two inverted mangoes, like a mirror image. Now, the design is quite famous all over the world and used in a variety of drapery and upholstery.
Pashmina Shawls with Mango Motif:
Westerners, specially Britishers loved the motifs and the shawls of Kashmir and used the old silk route to trade a lot of things, in and out of India. Especially spices and silk were their important goods, that were reaped from India. Pashmina shawls then became the heartthrob of millions and gave a phase shift for Indian textiles, making the significance of India, grow across the world. The looms of Europe was expensive then, and a lot of shawls were then exported to satiate the growing passion of the westerners. Thus Pashmina Shawls and Indian designs occupied an important place in the history of the world, making millions of people fall for it.
Mughal influence on Mango Motif:
Famous Kings of India like Mughal Emperor Jahangir and King Akbar have patronized arts, and have used the mango motif in their palaces, jewels, and in their dresses. The design then became highly popular, that it became one of the widely used designs of Arabs.
Conclusion:
Be it for paisley designed bandana being worn by westerners nowadays, or the traditional kanjivaram saree from the looms of Tamilnadu, the beauty of the Mango motif, has occupied a significant position. Needless to say, be it for a Cotton Saree, or a charismatic Handloom saree, the design is elegant and augments the beauty of any person who wears it. Even in days to come, the culture and the tradition will go a long way, and this country would be remembered always for it’s traditional and historical values.
