Chanderi Silk and Ikat Border Weaving in Katni Textile Tradition

Katni lies on the historical trade route carrying Chanderi silk east toward Jabalpur and Rewa markets. Local weavers in Katni have maintained a subsidiary weaving tradition producing imitation Chanderi-style fabric in mixed cotton-silk on handlooms. The extra-weft patterning technique learned from exposure to Chanderi samples produced a simplified version — coarser thread, less transparent — sold locally for festive dress. Ikat dyeing on warp threads before weaving produces characteristic blurred geometric patterns used in Katni cotton saris. The technique involves tying warp threads at intervals before dipping in dye, then untying to weave the pattern into the cloth. This tradition, practiced by a few families in Katni city, is considered at risk as the practitioners age and younger family members prefer industrial employment.