028. Gadwal Sarees

Gadwal sarees are produced in Godwal and surrounding areas, in Mehabubnagar District, Telangana. The origin of Gadwal Sarees can be traced back to about 200 years ago. At that point of time Gadwal was the capital of a small Kingdom, locally called as a “Samasthanam”. The Maharani of the said Kingdom namely ‘Adhi Lakshmi Devamma’ promoted the craft with help of a few weavers who had come to Gadwal from various costal areas. Initially Gadwal Sarees were called as ‘Mathiampeta’.

The body of the saree has many designs woven into it. The designs, their orientation and layout are given by the master weaver. These sarees have a rich brocaded gold border. The pallu also has elaborate designs. The border and pallu have rich and more zari work when compared to the body. The border and body of the saree are woven in traditional bright and dark vibrant colours. The saree gives a shiny appearance.

The design woven contains flora and/or fauna in it. Floral designs include leaves, flowers & plants. The designs of fauna that are woven have more swans and peacocks and less of elephants, deer, parrots and ducks. 

The raw material used in the production of Gadwal Sarees is silk and cotton along with zari. Cotton yarn is used, in the warp and weft in the body, whereas silk yarn is used in the warp and weft in pallu and border. However, there are other combinations being used presently by the weavers.

The unique feature of Gadwal Sarees lies in the interlockings or joints during weaving. There are two joints, one is called the vertical joint  of the body of the saree with the border. The second joint is the horizontal joint of the body of the saree with the pallu. It is the horizontal joint which makes Gadwal sarees most unique, for this type of joining is not found anywhere in any other weaving technique. The vertical interlocking is done on the loom. The horizontal interlocking is done thread by thread using the thumb and index finger of the right or left hand.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 04 August 2010

GI Tag Number                         : 137

Certificate Number                  : 124

Geographical Area                  : Telangana

Special Cover Release Date   : 23 January 2021

Cancellation                             : Raj Bhavan PO 500 041

Type                                          : GI Tag Special Cover

Cover Identification Number  : TS/04/2021

Enlarged View of Illustration

Enlarged View of Cancellation