Amru, also known as Silk Brocade, is one of the main craft forms of Benaras or Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It is a form of brocade embroidery that uses silk threads in the making as opposed to threads of gold or silver zari. Because of the motifs woven in this type of brocade, the saris on which these are made are known as Buttidar.
The patterns that are woven in the Amru brocade are inspired by flora, featuring buds and mango motifs more commonly, Amru silk brocade is characteristically identified by these patterns. Another common motif that can be seen on Banarasi saris with Amru brocade are flowering bushes, again inspired by nature.
It is also said that the Amru brocade came about in the first place for those who could not afford the Kimkhwab, which can either be interpreted as a fabric that is made of gold and silver yarns or a fabric that features gold and thread work predominantly.
Amru brocade is often confused with Tanchoi, another brocade from the Banaras region. They are however, completely different.
