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Ilkal sarees are a source of pride for the people of Ilkal, a small town located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka in India. These sarees are handwoven and have a distinct pattern that sets them apart from other sarees. They are usually made from cotton, which is best suited for the weather conditions that prevail in this particular area. Ilkal saree weaving is found more in and around the villages of Kolhar, Ilkal, Kamatgi and Nidagundi located in the Bijapur district of Karnataka.
The unique aspect of Ilkal sarees is the pallu, which is specially woven in red and white. Their traditional styles of pallus are complemented by a distinctive shade of dark indigo, purple, red, and green in these sarees.. The pallu and the body are joined in a technique called kondi, and the saree has traditional patterns with motifs of centipedes, dots, and triangles. A white cross-border design runs across the width between the two borders of the pallu.
Ilkal sarees are usually gifted or sold by the people of Ilkal to their friends or neighbors in cities like Bengaluru and Maharashtra. They take pride in showcasing their hometown’s unique craftsmanship and culture through these sarees. The word Ilkal is said to have originated from the place itself, which is surrounded by leveled surfaces and small hills in certain directions that have abundant resources of granite stones, leading to the name Ilkal from the Kannada word lakallu, which means slope.
Weaving is widespread in the Ilkal area, where some years back, most of the houses had their own loom that made the sarees for themselves and others. As this area was dependent on agriculture, people took up weaving to add to their livelihood. Weaving has become an integral part of the local culture, and most families have at least one member who is involved in the weaving industry.
The pit loom used for weaving Ilkal sarees is generally referred to as kuni magga, where traditional gomi or chikiparas borders of the saree are generally woven. One of the distinctive features of this saree is that it is fine and, in some cases, has delicate kasuti embroidery done as an embellishment. The pallu is given special importance as it is worn on the head. Sarees worn on special occasions are generally woven with silk, which is made with the interlocking technique called tope-teni.
Ilkal is not just famous for its sarees but is also one of the centers for education, trade, commerce, and industry. The town has a rich history and has been a hub for various art forms like music, dance, and painting. The people of Ilkal take pride in their cultural heritage and are keen on preserving and promoting it.
The process of making Ilkal sarees is a laborious one and involves many steps. First, the cotton is sourced, cleaned, and spun into yarn. Then the yarn is dyed in the desired colors using natural dyes. The yarn is then warped and put on the loom for weaving. The weaver then weaves the saree, and once it is done, the saree is sent for finishing. The finishing process involves removing any loose threads, ironing, and adding any embellishments like kasuti embroidery.
Ilkal sarees have gained popularity over the years, and many people have started to recognize and appreciate their unique craftsmanship. The government has also taken notice and has taken steps to promote the sarees and provide support to the weavers. The weavers are given training and provided with financial assistance to help them improve their skills and create better products.
Ilkal sarees are a treasure of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. These handwoven sarees are not just a source of pride for the people of Ilkal but have gained popularity across India. The unique patterns, colors, and pallu of the saree set them apart from other sarees, and the intricate kasuti embroidery adds to their beauty. Weaving is an integral part of the local culture and economy, and the government’s support in promoting and preserving this craft has helped the weavers improve their skills and create better products. Ilkal sarees are not just a piece of clothing but a representation of the skilled craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the people of Ilkal.
PS: As a handloom enthusiast, I research and gathere information on various weaving techniques used to make handloom sarees. I put together a post to create awareness among fellow handloom lovers about the beauty and significance of handloom sarees and the importance of supporting the industry. Checkout Our Odisha handloom And Banarasi Collection Here.
