Which District of Karnataka is Known as the City of Sarees?

The Bagalkot district in Karnataka is famous for the town of Ilkal, which is known as the "City of Sarees." This town is renowned for its handloom sarees, which are a symbol of tradition and artistry. Explore more about the "City of Sarees" of Karnataka in this article.

Akansha Arora Published On January 8th, 2025

Karnataka, a state in southern India, is known for its rich culture, scenic landscapes and historical heritage. Famous for its ancient temples, vibrant festivals, and delicious cuisine, Karnataka also boasts thriving industries like silk, coffee and sandalwood. With cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru, the state beautifully blends tradition with modern development. In this article, we will know about the district of Karnataka which is known as the “City of Saree.”

An Overview of Karnataka

Karnataka, in southwestern India, became a state on November 1, 1956, as Mysore state and was renamed Karnataka in 1973. It is bordered by the Lakshadweep Sea, Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. With 61 million people across 31 districts, its capital Bengaluru is the largest city, housing over 15 million residents.

Number of Districts of Karnataka

Karnataka has 31 districts, grouped into four administrative divisions: Belagavi, Bengaluru, Gulbarga and Mysore. These divisions help manage the state’s administration efficiently.

City of Sarees in Karnataka

The Bagalkot district in Karnataka is famous for the town of Ilkal, which is known as the “City of Sarees.” This town is renowned for its handloom sarees, which are a symbol of tradition and artistry.

Ilkal Sarees

Ilkal sarees are special handloom sarees known for their distinctive patterns. They are made using cotton for the body and art silk for the border and pallu. The weaving technique called Tope Teni is used to join the body and pallu intricately, creating a beautiful finish.

Location of Ilkal

Ilkal is located in a valley in the southeastern corner of the Bagalkot district, near the borders of the Koppal district’s Kushtagi taluk. Its geographical location has helped it become a hub for saree production.

Popularity of Ilkal Sarees

Ilkal sarees are widely worn in North Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. In recent years, they have gained popularity across India and are now considered a fashionable choice among young women and high-society ladies.

Other Famous Sarees from Karnataka

Apart from Ilkal sarees, Karnataka is also known for:

Molakalmuru Silk Sarees: These sarees come from the Molakalmuru town in the Chitradurga district. They are admired for their soft texture, intricate motifs and gold zari work.
Mysore Silk Sarees: Mysore silk sarees are made with the finest quality silk, giving them a smooth and luxurious feel. These sarees are among the most expensive in India and symbolize elegance and tradition.