Zari and Brocade textiles are a speciality of the city Banaras. The earliest mention of these regal fabrics can be found in the 19th century literature. Silk weavers from Gujarat migrated to Kasi in 17th century after a famine in 1603. A new environment for weavers gave a way to various innovations and by 19th century, the city had flourished as the Textile capital of the region. Development of brocade and zari work in the city saw new heights during Mughal period, especially in the reign of emperors such as Akbar.