Ushnakmal Banaras : India’s Oldest Surviving Banarasi Saree House
India’s saree tradition is ancient, but very few houses can claim an unbroken, documented legacy that has survived changing times, technologies, and markets. Ushnakmal, Banaras, stands among those rare names - recognised as one of the oldest surviving Banarasi saree weaving houses in India, with origins dating back to 1885.
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A Legacy Preserved Across Generations
Founded by Ushnakmal ji in 1885, the Ushnakmals handloom house has been carried forward through successive custodians, including his grandson Moolchand ji , Lala Ramsharan Das Tandon, Rajendra Tandon, Vinay Tandon, and today by Vindhya Tandon, the eighth generation. Each generation has preserved the essence of Banarasi craftsmanship, ensuring the house remains a living tradition rather than a relic of the past.
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Handloom, Heritage, and Sustainability
At Ushnakmal, handloom weaving is not just a method - it is a philosophy. Each saree is painstakingly crafted on traditional looms by skilled artisans, with minimal environmental impact and maximum respect for the weaver’s expertise.
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Why Choose Ushnakmal Banaras?
Every Ushnakmal saree is more than just fabric - it is a celebration of centuries-old artistry, heritage, and care. Choosing Ushnakmal means choosing:
• Generations of Craftsmanship 🌟
Every weave carries the legacy of eight generations of master artisans, from Shnakmal to Vindhya Tandon, preserving techniques honed over more than a century.
• Authentic Handloom Heritage 🏛️
Crafted on traditional looms, each saree embodies the true spirit of Banarasi weaving, with intricate motifs, pure silk, and exquisite zari.
• Artisan-First Philosophy 🤝
By supporting Ushnakmal, you are directly empowering skilled weavers and ensuring that this living craft continues to thrive.
• Sustainable and Timeless ♻️
Handwoven with care, every piece is a slow fashion heirloom - beautiful today, cherished for generations.
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The Modern Expression: RESA by Ushnakmals
Today, the Ushnakmal legacy finds its contemporary expression through RESA by Ushnakmals, a platform that brings heritage craftsmanship to modern wardrobes.
Under Vindhya Tandon’s leadership, the brand balances tradition and modernity, offering collections that are timeless, wearable, and ethically made, keeping the family’s artisan-first, sustainable philosophy at its core.
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Why Ushnakmal Stands Apart
Few Banarasi weaving houses can trace a continuous, documented lineage since 1885. This unbroken tradition, combined with handloom authenticity and a sustainability ethos, makes Ushnakmal not just a saree house, but a guardian of living craft.
From the looms of Banaras to contemporary heirlooms worn across the world, the story continues - woven with purpose since 1885.
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Explore the Legacy
Experience the heritage yourself - explore our collections and own a piece of history:
Shop RESA by Ushnakmals
Every saree is more than fabric - it’s a living heirloom, woven across eight generations.
