Ilkal Saree Weaving of Dharwad Karnataka

The Ilkal saree from Ilkal town in Bagalkot district of Karnataka is a distinctive handloom saree characterised by a contrasting cotton body with a pure silk pallu (end section) in a bright terracotta-red with white horizontal stripes and an art silk border. The junction of the cotton body and silk pallu is achieved by an interlocking technique called chikan (similar to korvai). The saree body uses cotton in traditional temple motifs (checked, striped), while the pallu is woven in pure mulberry silk. GI certification was awarded to Ilkal sarees. The weaving cluster involves over 30,000 weavers in Bagalkot and Haveri districts. The Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation markets Ilkal sarees through state outlets and online. Contemporary interest in authentic handloom sarees has revived demand for Ilkal. The saree is particularly associated with women of north Karnataka — Kannada and Marathi communities — who wear it for festive occasions.