Timeless textiles of Karnataka

# The Timeless Textile Crafts of Karnataka: A KHDC Heritage Story

Discover Karnataka's traditional textiles like Mysore Silk, Ilkal Sarees, Kasuti Embroidery & more. Explore their history & KHDC's revival efforts. Shop authentic handlooms on our online store.

Karnataka's Rich Handloom Heritage

Karnataka is a land where looms speak history. From Mysore's royal silk to the tribal stitches of Sandur, Karnataka's textile legacy is woven with heritage, pride, and precision. As the home of iconic GI-tagged weaves and rare craft traditions, the state continues to celebrate its artisans through initiatives by the **Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation (KHDC)**.

Whether you're a conscious shopper or a cultural enthusiast, read on to explore Karnataka's most celebrated textile crafts—and how KHDC is ensuring their survival in the modern world.

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## Mysore Silk: The Royal Weave of Karnataka

* **Region**: Mysuru

* **Material**: Pure Mulberry Silk with Gold-Silver Zari

* **Highlights**: Smooth finish, vibrant colors, real zari

* **GI Tag**: Yes

**History**: Initiated in 1912 by the Maharaja of Mysore, Mysore Silk sarees were originally reserved for royalty. Today, KSIC and KHDC uphold this legacy.

**KHDC's Role**: Marketed under *Priyadarshini Handlooms*, Mysore Silk is supported through government-backed yarn subsidies and certified quality.

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## Ilkal Sarees: The Vibrant Border Tradition

* **Region**: Ilkal, Bagalkot District

* **Material**: Cotton body with silk pallu

* **Highlights**: Tope Teni technique, bold borders, temple patterns

* **GI Tag**: Yes (2006)

**History**: Worn by women across North Karnataka, Ilkal sarees are famed for their durability and symbolic pallu designs.

**KHDC's Role**: KHDC supports Ilkal weavers through yarn supply, cluster development, and exhibition showcases.

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## Udupi Sarees: Coastal Comfort in Cotton

* **Region**: Udupi (Coastal Karnataka)

* **Material**: Handloom cotton

* **Highlights**: Stripes, breathable fabric

* **GI Tag**: Yes (2016)

**History**: With a 200-year legacy, Udupi sarees were the daily wear of temple-going women. They’re now being revived by local cooperatives.

**KHDC's Role**: KHDC promotes Udupi sarees via exhibitions and retail channels, connecting coastal artisans to new markets.

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## Molakalmuru Sarees: The Jewel of Chitradurga

* **Region**: Molakalmuru, Chitradurga

* **Material**: Pure silk

* **Highlights**: Rich motifs (peacock, temple, rudraksha)

* **GI Tag**: Yes (2008)

**History**: These sarees reflect the region’s artistic spirit, often used in weddings and religious ceremonies.

**KHDC's Role**: KHDC sustains the Molakalmuru silk cluster by supporting artisan groups with training, raw materials, and design input.

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## Navalgund Durries: Flat-Woven Rugs with a Legacy

* **Region**: Navalgund, Dharwad

* **Material**: Cotton

* **Highlights**: Geometric motifs, female-only craft

* **GI Tag**: Yes (2011)

**History**: Created by Muslim women on vertical looms, Navalgund durries are utilitarian art pieces.

**KHDC's Role**: Supports the dwindling artisan base through marketing and inclusion in state exhibitions.

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## Kasuti Embroidery: Geometry of Devotion

* **Region**: Hubli-Dharwad

* **Material**: Cotton thread embroidery on silk/cotton

* **Highlights**: Temple motifs, no knots, counted stitchwork

* **GI Tag**: Yes

**History**: Practiced since the Chalukya period, Kasuti was once a royal art taught in the Mysore palace.

**KHDC's Role**: Holds GI rights, trains artisans, and promotes Kasuti sarees and apparel through Priyadarshini showrooms.

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## Guledgudda Khana: The Shine Behind Ilkal

* **Region**: Bagalkot

* **Material**: Cotton with viscose

* **Highlights**: Diamond motifs, blouse pieces

* **GI Tag**: Yes (2016)

**History**: Traditionally paired with Ilkal sarees, Khana was woven for religious offerings and ceremonies.

**KHDC's Role**: Promotes Khana fabric as fashion fabric across blouses, dupattas, and bags.

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## Lambani Embroidery (Sandur): Tribal Threads of Identity

* **Region**: Sandur, Ballari

* **Material**: Cotton, mirrors, coins, shells

* **Highlights**: Appliqué, patchwork, vibrant colors

* **GI Tag**: Yes (2010)

**History**: The Lambani community’s needlework reflects their nomadic life and cultural symbols.

**KHDC's Role**: Facilitates cooperative training, craft fairs, and supports women artisans through Lambani embroidery clusters.

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## Kaudi Quilts: Patchwork from the Heart

* **Region**: Anegundi (Hampi Region)

* **Material**: Upcycled cloth

* **Highlights**: Handmade quilts, geometric motifs

* **GI Tag**: No

**History**: Traditionally stitched by women as wedding or baby gifts. A symbol of thrift and community.

**KHDC's Role**: Promotes Kaudi as eco-conscious home decor through craft exhibitions and online platforms.

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## Kodiyala Cotton Sarees: Tipu’s Choice

* **Region**: Kodiyala, Mandya

* **Material**: Handloom cotton

* **Highlights**: Subtle motifs, soft texture

* **GI Tag**: No

**History**: Once patronized by Tipu Sultan and the Wodeyar kings, Kodiyala weavers are preserving a 300-year legacy.

**KHDC's Role**: Supports clusters and ensures presence in state-level exhibitions and Priyadarshini outlets.

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## Bellary Checks: Utility Meets Tradition

* **Region**: Ballari

* **Material**: Cotton

* **Highlights**: Lungi-style checks

* **GI Tag**: No

**History**: A daily wear cotton check pattern rooted in working-class Ballari culture.

**KHDC's Role**: Featured in exhibitions and bundled with other regional handlooms to ensure visibility.

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## KHDC’s Mission: Revival Through Empowerment

KHDC works across Karnataka to:

* Provide **subsidized yarn** and upgraded looms

* Develop **weaver clusters** for community production

* Organize **Hathkargha Handloom Melas** and Shopify-integrated digital stores

* Promote **GI certification** for brand authenticity

* Offer **design training**, and **marketing support**

Recent highlights:

* 2024 Handloom Expo in Dharwad generated over ₹63 lakh in sales

* GI tagging of over 7 crafts

* Priyadarshini Handloom showrooms across Karnataka

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## Why Choose KHDC Priyadarshini handlooms ?

✅ 100% authentic, GI-certified products

✅ Supports artisan livelihoods

✅ Rich in history, sustainable in production

✅ Curated by KHDC with fair trade principles

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## Shop the Heritage

Explore our Shopify collections of:

* Silk Sarees across Karnataka 

* molkamuru silk , Chintamani silk

* Anekal silk, kollegal silk, 

* Ilkal Sarees with Kasuti Embroidery

* Lambani Embroidered Bags

* Udupi & Kodiyala Cotton Sarees

* Navalgund Durries and Kaudi Quilts

🛍️ [Shop Now on Our Store]

Priyadarshinihandlooms.in

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