Kasuti Embroidery of North Karnataka

Kasuti is a traditional hand embroidery craft of the Lingayat women of North Karnataka, particularly from Dharwad, Gadag, and Bagalkot districts. The name derives from kasu (coin) and tari (thread) — the designs are counted thread embroidery worked on silk or cotton cloth using running stitch (gavanti), cross stitch (menthi), rice stitch (negi), and darning stitch (murgi) without any frame. Motifs include the gopura (temple tower), chariot (rath), elephant (gaja), parrot, fish, creeper, and sacred symbols. Thread counts can reach 200 stitches per inch for fine work. Traditionally worked on silk paithani blouses and langa-voni garments. Kasuti received GI certification. The Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation promotes Kasuti under the Cauvery brand. Dharwad has a dedicated Kasuti artisan cluster supported by the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation. Kasuti workshops attract craft tourism from across the country.