From Kashi to Karachi, how weavers loom silk fantasies with silver
India and Pakistan, once intertwined destinies now diverged, witnessed a beautiful fusion of talents and cultures. From the heartlands of Uttar Pradesh, the charm of Bihar, the diversity of Delhi, the grace of Amroha, and the elegance of Lucknow, to the echoes of Banaras — each group of migrants brought a piece of their soul to contribute to Pakistan’s rich tapestry.
In Karachi, the vibrant and industrious Banarasi community crafted a unique identity. They wove Karachi’s story with threads of tradition and innovation, producing textiles that adorned both the city’s culture and the very spirit of its people.
Geo Digital undertook a journey to connect with the Banarasi community, unearthing the secrets of their exquisite Banarasi textiles.
Banaras Town, nestled within the vibrant heart of Karachi’s Orangi Town, came to life when Banarasi set foot there after the birth of Pakistan. Today, the majority of this town’s inhabitants still bear the indelible mark of that closely-knit community.
Banarasi Brocade: From Kashi to Karachi, how weavers loom silk fantasies with silver, gold
As Zafar Ullah Ansari, President of the Banarasi Cloth Merchants and Association, describes, Banarasis who had embarked on their journey from India post-partition found their new home in the makeshift settlements around the bustling industrial areas of Orangi Town.
One of these settlements, Banaras Colony, stands as a living testament to their resilience.
Beyond these horizons, you’ll find those who embarked on their journey from eastern Pakistan after migration, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Pakistan’s history.
This land, allocated to the Bannarsi community during the tenure of former president General Ayub Khan, remains a vibrant hub, weaving tales of culture, unity, and diversity into the fabric of Pakistan’s narrative.
However, when we asked Zafar about the history of his ancestors’ business, the legendary Banarasi textiles, he humorously responded: “To uncover the origins of this fabric, I might need to travel to the heart of India, the city of Banaras. My knowledge, unfortunately, doesn’t trace back to the very beginning.”