Ilkal Cotton Silk Saree Weaving Bagalkot Karnataka

Ilkal sarees are a distinctive north Karnataka handloom tradition from Ilkal town in Bagalkot district, known for their characteristic combination of cotton body with silk pallu (border end), joined by a unique interlocking technique called kondi (or chappar) that creates a visible joining line and is the hallmark of authentic Ilkal sarees. The sarees are woven on pit frame looms with a specific tope teni (row by row) border technique creating bands of colour along the selvedge, and the silk pallu is typically woven with kasuti embroidery supplementary motif patterns. Traditional colours are deep red, green, and blue with contrasting pallu. Ilkal sarees have GI protection. The weaving is practiced by Devanga and Padmashali communities in Ilkal and surrounding villages of Bagalkot district. The Ilkal Handloom Weavers Cooperative manages yarn supply and national wholesale dispatch. Ilkal sarees are significant for north Karnataka weddings and religious occasions. Fair-trade and government export channels supply urban boutiques and diaspora demand.