Snapshot

• Why Chanderi sarees are iconic: Chanderi, a historic town in Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh, is world-renowned for its lightweight, sheer texture and glossy transparency achieved through a traditional handloom weaving technique.
  
• Cultural heritage: With references in Mughal chronicles and Malwa Sultanate history, Chanderi weaving has been a luxury textile tradition for over 500 years. The craft was awarded a GI tag in 2005.
  
• Cluster identity: Chanderi is a nationally recognized handloom cluster, home to over 3,500 weavers, producing sarees, dupattas, and yardage fabrics that are popular among designers, boutiques, and global slow fashion brands.
  

Product Range

Category	Key Products
Chanderi Sarees	Pure silk, silk-cotton, and cotton sarees with zari borders and motifs.
Dupattas & Stoles	Lightweight, sheer dupattas with gold/silver zari motifs.
Dress Materials	Fabric yardage for contemporary fashion.
Luxury Home Textiles	Handwoven curtains, cushion covers, and wall hangings.
Designer Collaborations	Exclusive hand-painted, block-printed, or embroidered Chanderi textiles.

Craft Technique

Step	Details
Yarn Preparation	Cotton, silk, or silk-cotton blends are used; yarns are degummed and treated for sheen.
Weaving Style	Handloom weaving on pit looms, known for its sheer texture and lightweight drape.
Motif Creation	Motifs are woven into the fabric using extra weft technique; popular motifs include butis, florals, peacocks, and geometric patterns.
Finishing	Sarees are polished by hand, preserving softness and translucence.

Signature Features:

• Sheerness with glossy texture.
  
• Gold or silver zari embellishments.
  
• Minimalistic elegance suitable for luxury fashion markets.
  

Materials & Sustainability

• Fabrics: Pure silk, mercerized cotton, and silk-cotton blends.
  
• Zari: Pure or tested metallic yarns for motifs and borders.
  
• Sustainability Edge:
  
  • Fully handwoven, low-energy production.
    
  • Supports artisan livelihoods in rural Madhya Pradesh.
    
  • Natural dyes and eco-friendly processes used by some artisan groups.
    

Cluster Infrastructure

• Core Weaving Area: Chanderi town and nearby villages in Ashoknagar district.
  
• Cooperatives & Organizations:
  
  • Chanderi Weavers’ Cooperative Society and Handloom Development Centers ensure market linkages.
    
  • NGOs like Chanderiyaan Project integrate IT, digital design, and blockchain-based traceability.
    
• Market Access: Products consolidated in Indore and Bhopal; exports routed through Mumbai.
  
• Tourism Link: Chanderi’s rich history and weaving demonstrations attract craft tourism, increasing global visibility.
  

Compliance & Certifications

• GI Certification: Chanderi Sarees registered under Geographical Indications Act in 2005.
  
• Handloom Mark: Guarantees authenticity of handwoven fabric.
  
• Silk Mark: Used for pure silk sarees.
  
• Fair-Trade Initiatives: Supported by cooperatives and NGOs for artisan welfare.
  
• Export Standards: AZO-free dyes, eco-compliance, and size standardization for global retailers.
  

Production Timelines & MOQs

Product Type	Sampling Lead Time	Bulk Lead Time	MOQ Guidance
Chanderi Silk Sarees	10–14 days	6–8 weeks	25–50 pcs/style
Cotton Chanderi Sarees	7–10 days	4–6 weeks	25–50 pcs/style
Dupattas, Stoles, Fabrics	7–10 days	4–6 weeks	50–100 pcs/style
Designer Custom Collections	2–3 weeks	8–12 weeks	Made-to-order

Branding & Packaging

• Branding: GI tags, QR codes for traceability, Handloom and Silk Mark labels.
  
• Packaging:
  
  • Sarees packed in acid-free tissue paper and muslin cloth covers.
    
  • Designer collections in handcrafted presentation boxes.
    
  • Eco-friendly cartons for export shipments.
    
• Premium Storytelling: Branding highlights Chanderi’s royal patronage and centuries-old weaving tradition.
  

Quality Control (IndiaUnbox Protocol)

• Fabric Integrity: Check for weaving consistency, yarn strength, and transparency.
  
• Motif Inspection: Accuracy of buti placement, zari finish quality.
  
• Color Testing: Wash and rub fastness testing.
  
• Packaging QC: Moisture resistance and crease-free folding for export shipments.
  

Price Drivers

• Yarn quality (silk, mercerized cotton).
  
• Complexity of zari motifs and extra-weft technique.
  
• Hand-painting or embroidery add-ons.
  
• Small-batch artisan weaving and GI certification premiums.
  

Buyer Confidence Signals

• GI certification: Protects authenticity and provenance of Chanderi sarees.
  
• Luxury Heritage: Chanderi’s weaving tradition dates back to Mughal and Malwa royalty.
  
• Sustainability: Entirely handwoven, low-energy, and artisan-driven production.
  
• Export readiness: Linked with FabIndia, Good Earth, Raw Mango, and boutique global brands for decades.