Threads of Tradition
Kumaran silks began with the vision of a man from Kanchipuram, the silk capital of south India. It all started with a school PT master from Mambalam, who carried four sarees wrapped in a white blanket and an unshakable resolve to uplift weavers and celebrate their craft among others. Accompanied by his young son P. C Ramamurthy, he bridged the gap between tradition and modernity, teaching the values of silk saree with every step.
In 1955 amidst the bustling streets of Nageshwaran Road, a humble store opened its doors, connecting the unvarying artistry of Kanchipuram’s handloom weavers to Chennai’s sophisticated customers. Today, Kumaran Silks continues this legacy, honoring the artistry of weavers and preserving the rich tradition of Kanchipuram silk, making it a name synonymous with heritage and brilliance.
For over 70 years, Kumaran Silks has been a beacon of India’s rich traditions and elegant craftsmanship. Each saree is more than fabric- it’s a masterpiece woven with passion, precision, and the soul of the artisans.
By blending heritage with modernity, we connect generations through exquisite designs, uniting the past and present in every thread. From humble beginnings to a global legacy, from loom to your wardrobe, every thread tells a story of legacy, sophistication, and love for the art of weaving.
Born from the passion for silk and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship Kumaran Silk has established handloom units across Tamil Nadu’s Silk hubs- Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam, and Arani. At Kumaran Silks, we weave more than just exquisite sarees- we weave a legacy. This journey was driven by a deep respect for the artisans who create our intricate designs.
With vision to extend beyond borders, we have been maintaining strong relationships with global markets promoting Indian handloom craftsmanship on international stage. By fostering trade and collaboration, we contribute to the sustainability of the weaving community while sharing the beauty of our textiles with the world.
At Kumaran Silks, we carry forward the legacy of craftsmanship, ignited by Shri. P. C. Ramamurthy’s unwavering passion. From his father’s vision to global recognition, Kumaran Silks has become synonymous with premium, elegant handlooms, the dedication to offering luxurious yet affordable silks has made us a leader in the silk industry, creating masterpieces that adorn the distinguish across generations.
Today, Kumaran Silks is not just a textile brand but a living legacy with Shri P. Chengalvaraya Chettiar and Shri P.C. Ramamurthy as the founding fathers, the legacy is woven into every fabric, blending tradition with passion, Each saree from the collections tells a tale of excellence, a testament to the craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
In 1996, we introduced a revolutionary concept that breathed new life into saree fashion – the Reversible Saree, a marvel that captivated the hearts of fashion enthusiasts. This ingenious creation allowed women to effortlessly transform their looks by wearing it either way. Turn n Wear, as it's fondly known, was loved dearly by women.
It was our experimentation to fuse tradition with luxury that gave birth to Kanchivaram Satin Guard Sarees. This collection paid homage to the rich heritage of Kanchivaram silk sarees while adding a touch of satin opulence.
The Amritavarshini collection, a blend of silk and cotton, sported extraordinary artistic splendor. Born from our artisans' creative souls, this collection was a huge success.
In 1997, we introduced the art collection sarees that stands true to its name. The sarees in this collection featured hand paintings and embroidered designs inspired by Mughals and Madhubani art.
In the late 2000s, Kumaran Silks collaborated with the Aditya Birla Group to bring Linen sarees to the market, resulting in the creation of Lea, India’s first Linen saree collection. Launched at the Hindu bridal festival in Singapore in 2010, the lightweight, breathable fabric made these sarees ideal for summer, quickly gaining popularity among working professionals. The introduction of Linen sarees marked a significant milestone, with Lea becoming an instant favorite.
Rhapsody, introduced in 2002, is named after the feeling it evokes. Each Rhapsody saree was a by-product of a free-flowing mix of colors, patterns, and textures.
Our Kachi Embellished Sarees, a testament to the power of intricate detailing, introduced a new dimension of opulence to silk sarees. With every meticulously placed thread, these sarees became a canvas for the imagination of our skilled artisans, showcasing the perfect blend of heritage and modern sophistication.
In our dedication to democratizing elegance, we introduced Budget Sarees. These creations were a reflection of our belief that luxury should be accessible to all, embodying our ethos of quality, craftsmanship, and affordability.
Harnessing the beauty of pure silk, our Printing Collection emerged as an exquisite expression of design and craftsmanship. Each piece showcased the natural elegance of silk and vibrant prints that celebrated life's myriad colours and forms.
In 2000, Twin Silk unveiled a symphony of tradition and contemporary. These sarees weren't just pieces of fabric; they were adorned with Swarovski crystals, intricate hand paintings, and designs created through screen printing techniques.
In 1991, we transcended borders, as we ventured into international markets, exporting our exquisite creations to destinations far and wide. From the United States, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, England, London, France, UAE, Australia, Germany, Switzerland and Denmark to Mauritius, Kumaran Silks' textiles graced the wardrobes of widespread Indian people and other saree enthusiasts across the globe.
In the year 1994, honoring the 50 years of the relationship between USA and India, Kumaran Silks had the honor of presenting a saree woven with the then Indian Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and USA President Bill Clinton to the consulate general of the United States of America in Chennai. This fabric was then represented in the White House showcasing our rich cultural heritage.
In a significant feat of business prowess, Kumaran Silks became the first retail shop to cross the coveted 100 crore mark in 1996, this was more appalled as it was a single-store entity. This remarkable accomplishment was duly recognized with the esteemed award presented by the then-honorable Minister of Finance, Manmohan Singh.
Shri P.C. Ramamurthy not only wanted to carry traditional and cultural Indian heritage through sarees but also was an active member under the Sheriff of Madras who contributed to the welfare of society.
In a truly awe-inspiring accomplishment, Kumaran Silks etched its name into the history of the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008. We handcrafted the longest woven saree of 642.3 m (2,106 ft 10 in) for the Padmavati Jain Temple in Krishnagiri. The saree was sponsored by Kumaran Silks to raise funds for the education of underprivileged children in the district.
Take this Journey with Us
Our heritage isn't merely a chapter in a story; it is a chapter yet to be written, guided by the very essence of dreams, passion, and commitment. We invite you to be a part of this enchanting journey, where threads intertwine to create stories of elegance, grace, and timeless beauty. Join us as we continue to weave the legacy of Kumaran Silks, where dreams are spun into reality, one exquisite saree at a time.
