Beyond Fabric: The Sari's Enduring Legacy in the Heart of New York
The Sari as a Beacon of Resilience: Dr. Krishnan's Journey and Legacy
Lalitha Krishnan, a pioneering South Indian scientist, embarked on her academic journey to New York, distinguishing herself in pharmaceutical research aimed at combating resistant infections. Throughout her remarkable career, often confronting gender and racial biases, she consistently embraced her cultural identity by wearing a sari. This choice culminated in a poignant moment in 1991 when she received an award for her contributions, draped once more in the vibrant yellow zari-lined silk, a powerful statement of her heritage and perseverance. Decades later, this very garment became a centerpiece of "The New York Sari" exhibit at the New York Historical Society, conceived by journalist S. Mitra Kalita and Shekar Krishnan, Dr. Krishnan's son and New York's first Indian American City Council member, immortalizing its significance.
Unraveling Narratives: The Sari as a Chronicle of Female Empowerment and Migration
The sari, an ancient and enduring form of dress, consists of a long, unstitched fabric, typically spanning five to nine yards. This expansive textile embodies tales of female strength, defiance, and global movement. Traditionally, historical accounts of South Asian immigration have predominantly focused on male experiences. However, "The New York Sari" exhibition endeavors to reframe these narratives, spotlighting the experiences of South Asian women through the lens of this garment. Councilman Krishnan emphasizes its profound symbolism, describing it as "a powerful symbol of the sacrifices of generations of South Asian women coming to this country and helping make our community what it is today." It serves as a tangible link to a distant homeland for those who have forged new lives in cities like New York.
New York's Embrace: How the Sari Became an Integral Part of the City's Cultural Tapestry
The co-curator of the exhibition, Anna Danziger Halperin, who also directs the Center for Women’s History at the New York Historical Society, highlighted the institution's commitment to unearthing women's stories and material histories. The team posed a compelling question: "What if we explored these narratives through a sari?" In a city boasting a vibrant South Asian population exceeding 600,000, the answer quickly became apparent: the sari is intrinsically linked to "New Yorkers." The garment's presence in New York precedes the significant wave of South Asian immigration post-1965. Early 20th-century fascination with Eastern textiles led to spectacles like the Delhi Durbar recreation at Coney Island's Luna Park, where Indian fabrics were displayed. Over time, the Indian independence movement profoundly influenced South Asians in the U.S., transforming the act of spinning cotton into a symbol of resistance against British textile policies, with women in saris leading these efforts.
The Sari as a Catalyst for Social Change: From Political Activism to Queer Expression
In contemporary New York, the sari has transcended its traditional role to become a potent instrument for political mobilization among the South Asian diaspora. What was once predominantly a garment for cisgender women in their homeland has embraced a vibrant and queer persona within the city. Drag queens like RuAfza and LaWhore Vagistan proudly integrate saris into their performances, a testament to its evolving symbolism. Co-curator Salonee Bhaman notes that some of New York's most striking sari wearers are drag queens. A dedicated segment of the exhibition explores South Asian queer history in the U.S., recounting the challenges faced by the South Asian Lesbian and Gay Association (SALGA) when their members, desiring to parade in saris, were denied participation in the 1997 India Day Parade. Bhaman stressed the importance of acknowledging these internal community struggles within the diaspora.
Weaving Personal Histories: Documenting Legacies of Immigrant Women Through the Sari
The exhibition proudly features the story of Shahana Hanif, New York City Council’s first Bangladeshi and Muslim woman, who wore a grey sari with a silver blouse during her 2005 swearing-in. Another exhibit captures lawyer Chaumtoli Huq, in a sari, signing a settlement check alongside her client, Shamela Begum, a domestic worker who accused her employer of labor law violations. The Center for Women’s History continues its mission to collect these deeply personal and politically charged narratives, illuminating the unwritten and often overlooked legacies intricately woven into the fabric of the sari. This enduring garment, with roots in the Indus Valley civilization over 5,000 years ago, has continuously evolved and adapted, finding a true home in New York, where each pleat and drape reclaims and reshapes the city’s rich history.
A Powerful Message: The Sari as a Shield Against Erasure
Amidst a climate where immigrants face demonization and migration policies are tightened, the "New York Sari" exhibit delivers a timely and resonant message. Councilman Krishnan articulates this urgency: "If we don’t, in these moments, make sure that our stories and the literal fabric of our community ties in with the stories and fabric of other immigrant communities, we are really in danger of being erased from the history of this country." The exhibition, running through April 26, 2026, at the New York Historical Society, serves as a vital reminder of the interconnectedness of communities and the importance of preserving diverse historical narratives.