he city of Maheshwar offers an eclectic variety of fibers beautifully woven into saris made of silk, cotton, tissue, mercerized path design, neem silk, katan etc. The sari is the main product of the cluster, which forms up to 70per cent of the total production. The other major products are salwar suits, dupattas, turbans and dress materials. The use of zari and kinari is also unique to the Maheshwari sari. The golden thread is used to weave exotic motifs and designs on the flowdah (body) kinar (border) and the anchra (pallu) of the saree. Some particularly stunning motifs include Guldasta , Aambuta , Ghunggroo , Chatai kinar , Bel phool , Jai phool , Hansa , Mayur , Baila Ankhi , Ambi Buti , Peacock , Polka and Chandtara . The designs on the textiles were mainly inspired from the sculpted depictions in temples.The city of Maheshwar, a popular centre for spiritual, religious, administrative, literature, and cultural activities was ruled by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar during 1767-1795, who made it as her capital city and encouraged the development of trade and industry in the city. During this period, the craftsmen from Hyderabad, Mandava and Gujarat were also brought in to settle them down at Maheshwar which marked the onset of production of saris and other fabrics.