Which Saree Is Famous in Karnataka?

Karnataka’s weaving traditions reflect the state’s geography and history — silk in the south, cotton in the north, and blends in between. Each region developed its own textile identity shaped by local needs, raw material access, and royal patronage.

Here’s a detailed look at the sarees that define Karnataka’s handloom map.

Mysore Silk

The Mysore Silk saree is Karnataka’s most iconic weave. It began under Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV in the early 20th century when Japanese silk filature techniques were introduced in Mysore. Today, the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) continues to produce these sarees using pure mulberry silk and real gold zari but mostly on a powerloom. Known for solid colours, lightweight drape, and long lifespan, Mysore silk represents the royal legacy of the state.

Ilkal Sarees

Originating from Bagalkot district, Ilkal sarees are distinguished by their Tope Teni technique — a method of joining the cotton body and silk pallu without knots. Red pallus with white or maroon temple patterns are signature features. The sarees blend practicality with design, making them suitable for both everyday and festive wear.

Guledgudda Khana

Guledgudda near Badami is known for khana fabric, traditionally used for blouses and now expanded into sarees. The weave combines silk and cotton, featuring motifs like rudraksha, temple towers, and geometric lines. Guledgudda Khana’s dense texture and shine make it a favourite for festive wear, and revival efforts are underway to sustain the craft.

Patteda Anchu

Patteda Anchu is one of Karnataka’s oldest cotton saree styles, woven in Gajendragad, Belagavi, and parts of North Karnataka. It was historically gifted to brides as a symbol of auspiciousness. The saree is woven in reversible form — both sides can be worn — and features broad borders in contrasting shades like maroon, mustard, and green. Made entirely from coarse cotton, Patteda Anchu is durable and ideal for daily use in hot climates.

Molakalmuru Silk

Molakalmuru in Chitradurga district produces fine silk sarees with intricate zari motifs and contrast borders. The designs often borrow from temple architecture and South Indian iconography. Molakalmuru sarees have a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and remain a preferred bridal choice in Karnataka.

Kollegal Sarees

From Chamarajanagar district, Kollegal sarees are known for soft cotton textures and subtle designs. Woven by the Devanga community, they often use hand-spun yarn and natural dyes. The sarees typically feature checks, thin stripes, and earthy tones — a representation of rural simplicity rather than ornamentation.

Udupi Sarees

Woven along the coastal belt, Udupi sarees are fine cotton drapes known for light texture, narrow borders, and starched crispness. Traditionally made on pit looms, the sarees use plain bodies with subtle stripes. The weaving declined post-1990s but has been revived through cooperative efforts and design interventions. Udupi sarees are practical for humid climates and everyday wear.

Hubli-Dharwad Sarees

Hubli and Dharwad weavers produce sturdy cotton sarees with checks and striped patterns. Historically used by traders and farmers, these sarees emphasise durability and comfort over ornamentation. They reflect the utilitarian textile character of central Karnataka.

Bangalore Sarees

Before it became an IT hub, Bangalore had a strong weaving network, particularly in Magadi Road, Channapatna, and Malleshwaram. The city’s weavers produced fine silk-cotton blends for urban and royal use. Though most looms disappeared with industrialisation, small-scale weavers and design studios are now reviving Bangalore Handlooms with contemporary patterns while retaining traditional weaving methods.

Other Regional Varieties

• Chandrakali Sarees – Black silk sarees woven in North Karnataka, traditionally worn during religious functions.

• Ramanagara Silk – Similar in quality to Mysore silk, produced near Bangalore with a focus on solid tones.

• Gadag Cotton Sarees – Lightweight, breathable cottons used locally, known for muted colours.

• Bellary Sarees – Coarse, durable cotton sarees, commonly used in mining regions.

Karnataka’s Saree Ecosystem

Each weaving region in Karnataka has developed around community skill and resource availability. Silk thrives in Mysore and Ramanagara due to sericulture. Cotton dominates Ilkal, Udupi, and Patteda Anchu clusters due to local cultivation. Bangalore acts as a trade and design hub, connecting rural weavers with urban markets.

Government and private initiatives are supporting revival efforts — from GI tagging to contemporary collaborations that adapt these sarees for modern wardrobes.

Conclusion

Karnataka’s sarees tell the story of adaptation — from royal Mysore silks to the humble Patteda Anchu. The state’s weaving map covers luxury, ritual, and everyday use. As new audiences rediscover handloom, Karnataka’s weavers continue to hold one of India’s most diverse and historically rich textile traditions.