Venkatagiri Handloom Fabrics - Traditional Weaves & Styles

Venkatgiri’s Blended Textiles

In pre-Independence India, the weavers in Venkatagiri village in Andhra Pradesh, made saris woven with real gold zari for royalty and zamindars (landowners). Venkatagiri was known as "Kali Mili" and its most sought-after textile creations were patronised by the Velugoti Dynasty of Nellore. Venkatagiri handlooms, essentially cotton, are popular for their softness and durability.

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The Making

Venkatagiri is woven on cotton and cotton-silk blends. Weavers often use zari, using the Jamdani weaving patterns and warp-weft techniques. Most saris have a plain field with some buttas and a zari border and pallu that is patterned. Common motifs on the pallu of these saris include peacocks, parrots, swans, mangoes and leaves. Borders are also done in zari checks with colour wefting in thin lines.

The Legacy

Since the 17th century, the Padmasali and Devanga communities have traditionally woven the Venkatagiri saris. The village belt of Sengunthapuram, Variyankaval, Elaiyur, Kallathur, Andimadam and Marudhur villages also have a tradition of weaving these saris. This art form was certified with the Geographical Indication tag in 2009.

Memory Vault

A white Venkatagiri sari was gifted to the late actor, Nargis Dutt in the 1950s. She wore the sari to a dinner party and received great praise for its lightness and lustre. She wrote a heartfelt note thanking Pramadwara Devi, a descendant of the Venkatagiri royal family in Andhra Pradesh, and a patron of the craft who had gifted it to her.

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