TALES 》 Banahatti Cotton Sarees

Kalamkari or qalamkari is a type of hand-painted or block-printed on a Cotton Textile or Silk Textile. Produced in India, Iran. The Name Originates in Persian, from the words qalam (pen) and kari (craftsmanship), meaning drawing with a pen.

Venkatagiri sarees or Rajamatha sarees.
Venkatagiri is a small town situated in Nellore district, Andhra pradesh state, India. History of venkatagiri sarees dates back to 1700s, during the rule of Venkatagiri, the masterweaver handcrafted these sarees, specially curated for queens, royal ladies and zamindaris. These sarees were purchased for such handsome amounts that the weavers could survive with that sum of money for almost a year until they got their next order. Exclusive designs were made by the weavers on special order for the upper class only. Much of a boost and encouragement given to these sarees, by the Velugoti dynasty of Nellore and also by the Bobbili and Pithapuram dynasties, back then.

Mangalagiri Sarees and Fabrics are produced by performing handicraft weaving in Mangalagiri, a town in Guntur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.Mangalgiri was always known for its pilgrimage importance because of the famous temple of Lord Panakala Narasimha Swamy that is located in the heart of the town. Mangalgiri located 12 kms away from Vijayawada. It was registered as one of the handicraft in the geographical indication from Andhra Pradesh by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, in the year 1999.

The Empire of south, traditional handloom Gadwal sarees
I was listening to Keith Urban-Little Bit Of Everything. How pleasant it is ha? I want little bit gold, earthy cotton and lavish silk of everything, flashed me glorious Gadwal saree, which has little bit of everything! Gadwal a place known for harmonious coexistence of the cultures, situated between the rivers 'Tungabhadra' and 'Krishna' of Mahbubnagar district, Telangana state, India.

A Coastal town, situated in Prakasam District in the state of Andhra Pradesh called Chirala, this town was also known as 'Kshirapuri'. Chirala town is renowned for handlooms. Years passed by, the town gained popularity for its excellent handloom sarees known for the softness and durability. The name Chirala means Saree in Telugu and so eventually the name of the town got transformed to Chirala. Main occupation of this village is handloom weaving and paddy cultivation.

Lavish Saree of Bride, mulberry silk Dharmavaram
A beautiful city in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh state, India known for its renowned cotton, splendorous silk weaving industries and leather puppets, Dharmavaram. According to the history notes, name of the city Dharmavaram ,has been named after 'Dharmamba', who was the mother of Sri Kriyasakthi Odeyar (person, who built the first tank in the region). The economy of the town is dependent on the weaving industry. Natives of this place speak Telugu(regional language). Dharmavaram sarees is been registered as one of the geographical indication from Andhra Pradesh.

Pochampally sarees are sheer delight for women!
Magnificent Pochampally saree is called by varies names such as Pogudubandhu or Pochampalli Ikat, is a saree crafted in Bhoodan Pochampally, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana State, India. Pochampally, the village was renamed to Bhoodan Pochampally. This small traditional handloom village magnificently showered and surrounded by hills, lush green fields, temples, Pochampally makes up for an exciting destination to spend one’s heart. This village is around 45Km away from Hyderabad.Telangana is one of the ancient Ikat weaving centers in India.Pochampally Ikat sarees was mainly popularized during 80's.Pochampally silk saree boasts of blending comfort and popularly known as tie and dye weave, one can see century old traditional looms here.

The Gods, Goddesses and Narayanpet sarees
This Beautiful small little town is renowned for exclusive splendid handloom silk and cotton sarees, Narayanpet in Mahbubnagar district, Telangana state, India. Primary source of income for people here is from weaving sarees. This charming place is extremely hot in summer and cold in winter. Since it's a business hub for sarees people known many regional languages such as Telugu, Kannada, Urdu, Marathi and of course English as well. Narayanpet sarees is known for its durability, affordability and lower maintenance. In this modern age of Indo-western twist and fast fashion outfits, Narayapet saree still remains classy.

The finest spicy Grandmother's attire, nostalgic saree!
Each thread narrates of a story that weaves into a magical saree, red hot Guntur city lies on the south eastern side of Hyderabad in Guntur district of Indian, state of Andhra Pradesh. This city residents are referred as Gunturians, purest forms of the language can be heard here is Telugu(regional language). One can see largest Asian market for red chillies here, this place is main producer and renowned globally for exporting of most varieties of Chillies and chilli powder from India to countries like USA, UK, Latin America, Middle East, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Korea. Guntur sarees are known for finest cotton sarees, these sarees are worn by particularly in the coastal areas it's so simple and sober, which feels comfortable for everyday wearing. Main body of Guntur saree has single plain colors and patterns scattered here and there, with or without checks patterns and has small woven butis all over.

Opulent craftsmanship, Uppada Jamdani saree
The rich and colorful yarns pepping around, splashy Uppada, is a beach town in east Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh state, Indian. Road trip, it just takes thirty minutes drive to reach Kakinada from Uppada town, also known for fishery station for Prawns, fishes here. Fascinating beautifully handwoven sarees known as Uppada sarees are famous and these sarees were named after Uppada village. Handloom industry has retained the age old rich tradition of hand weaving in our country. Padmasali community is the major caste here engaged in the weaving of these wonderful sarees, which are very artistic, a blend of zari work is a add-on to give a charm to the saree. Proud to the state, Uppada Jamdani Sarees, gets geographical indication.

Roots of Karnataka 'Molakalmuru', Connecting Old is Gold
Living in the world of fast-moving fashion, where designer Ruffle Sarees takes a runway show stopper pace, I see the 'contrast' the traditional and the modern world. In India, especially when you focus on South India, Karnataka when we take a slice of the pie, the elder generation(mothers or grandmothers) still wear evergreen beauties like Ilkal, Udupi, Banhatti cotton sarees on a day to day bases, depending on the cultural belief system and comfort zone.

The most simplistic and minimalist hidden weaves from Karnataka is Banahatti Cotton Saree. I just loved the texture of the fabric, it's like linen saree? I don't know what more can I say about this saree. Well it is more deserved to seen in my Youtube video, do check it out !

Decoding the traditional handloom of Ilkal
Remote corner in the state of south India is famous for its traditional handloom attire called Ilkal silk sarees and Ilkal cotton sarees, named after after the town Ilkal, in Bagalkot district of Karnataka state, these traditional handwoven sarees are GI protected craft of India. Ilkal is famous for red granite stone and traditional Ilkal sarees. Localites out here are very friendly and they speak Kannada(regional language of the state), one of the main source income of this place is weaving these handwoven evergreen classic sarees. If one happens to peep around in this place, almost all house are engaged in weaving these sarees, their is no discrimination done, both men and woven are engaged in weaving to make their livelihood. Major centres of weaving is from villages of Ilkal, Kolhar, Kamatgi and Nidagundi at the Bijapur district and many of them have their own loom at home.

Plain weaves for lazy Summer afternoons
One of the most traditional sarees which I had seen apart from Ilkal saree is Hubli cotton sarees, due extreme humidity generally localities adore this saree for daily bases. This is one of the simple weaves but I totally in love with this saree, the texture of the saree is so soft due to the high count of cotton yarn used.

Forgotten bespoke weaves from Bangalore city
In Indian textiles, the heirloom weaves were much given influential value, the deep understanding was to appreciate inherent skill which was passed several generations.
Here is a sample of a traditional Handloom Bangalore silk saree which adds the loop for its artistically woven checks, fine mulberry silk which is a featherweight. Royal purple with a blend of Manjal shot adds the traditional lookbook, the aged designs and motifs are been inspired from nature and from ancient temples Hindu architecture. Experience this magnificent saree.

Contemporary Ilkal sarees goes on a delightful weaves!
The most down to earth yet vibrant colors are seen in traditional attire of Ilkal, Ilkal is a small town, this town is located in the South-East part of Bagalkote district, Karnataka state, India. This place is very hot during the summers but has a pleasant weather during the winters. The language of communication here is Kannada. Ilkal was an ancient weaving centre and known for renowned handloom sarees. The main source of income comes from the 'Red granite' which is exported all around the world, while Ilkal sarees are secondary source of income for the people residing over there since generations. The availability of local raw materials helped in the growth of this saree.

Weaving is a tradition
Kollegala is also called as 'Silk City' and renowned for its handloom silk saree industry, much popular for reeling and twisting of silk. Silk weaving is the tradition in many parts of our country, almost each the state has its own cluster, the majority of the weaving skills are been heirlooms.

Melting Mysore pak to butter-soft Mysore silks by Sarees are my passion
It is called as City of Palaces, the cultural capital of Karnataka, heritage palaces, magnificent buildings, art galleries, and monuments. Mysore has lent its name from renowned dishes like Mysore Masala Dosa which leaves me craving for melting dessert called Mysore Pak(sweet-dessert). Mysore, the original name of this city was 'Mahishapura' which is derived from the demon named Mahishasura. Mysore officially renamed as Mysuru is one of the districts in Karnataka state.

Life to the an­cient looms an exclusive weave Patteda Anchu, Sarees are my passion
I remember and recollect my childhood memories, I was just nutty about cotton sarees and fabrics, not only for comfort but for simplicity. I always love to be seamless in the crowd! My passion grew regardless of the age for hand-loom sarees, today I'm here to share one more simple weave from Karnataka called Patteda Anchu handloom cotton saree.

Ancestral Molakalmuru with a modern twist!

Molakalmuru is a village panchayat town in Chitradurga district,Karnataka state, India. Molakalmuru is best known for its hand-woven silk sarees of exquisite design and craftsmanship It is said Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV (Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar) during his visit to the place in 1914, he appreciated the finesse of these sarees. Molakalmuru sarees are available in silk and cotton. It has been granted geographical Indication tag, which add a extra credit to these sarees. The beautiful floral designs and the rich pallu make these sarees attractive and gorgeous. The long border sarees have a contrast border and the traditional touch is their specialty. The weaving is done mainly on pit looms with either fly shuttle or throw shuttle technique.