Plans on to revive Kollegal silk

Context: Chamarajanagar district administration has plans to promote Kollegal silk saris with new designs.  Project expected to benefit traditional weavers in the region.

Revival plan

• A ₹20-lakh budget is created for building new infrastructure.
• Cluster based development is adopted to encourage silk looms and create a smart handloom outlet for the benefit of weavers in Kol
• The need of the hour was to create new design patterns to cater to the taste of the modern-day consumers.
• A centralised outlet for sale of saris is at the core of creating a demand for the Kollegal silk, which used to occupy a pride of place among consumers of the region.
• Administration intends to create a brand for Kollegal silk on the lines of Mysore Silk.
• Efforts would be made for online promotion and marketing of the products and e-catalogue of designs would also be prepared.
• As part of its long-term strategy for extensive marketing, retail outlets dealing with Kollegal silk products would be established across all districts of the State on the lines of khadi

Kollegal silk

• It is popular among the consumers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Kollegal is in the Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka State in the south of India.
• It is known for its silk industry which attracts traders from all over the state. Kollegal silk saris are very unique for their design and originality. These are soft silk saris.
• Kollegal is famous for reeling and twisting of silk and produces its own raw silk. It was once known as “Silk City”, with the region producing saris for the Maharajas of Mysore.
• Devangas and Padmasalvis are the two major weaving communities engaged in silk weaving in the area.
• Kollegal weavers use tie & dye warp with the “Reku Pulling Technique”.
• Kollegal was once known for its exquisite navilu (peacock) border saris.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/plans-on-to-revive-kollegal-silk/article32866630.ece

https://dcdpindia.org/kaulava/