Ikat

Ikat is practiced in the small town named Koyyalagudem of Telangana state. The name ‘Ikat; comes from the Malay word – Mengikat meaning ‘to bind’. The most renowned Ikat weaves is the Telia Rumal. This handloom has been worn since the time of Nizams. Telia Rumal, like its name suggests was first woven into a large square fabric, known as ‘Rumal’, which was used as a lungi and shoulder stole by the fishermen. Kamaladevi, a freedom fighter, an entrepreneur, and a feminist came forward to motivate the weavers. She encouraged them to weave the Telia Rumal sarees and dupattas too. That is how the journey of this expensive handloom began. Currently, it is considered as one of the (G.I) geographical indication of Telangana.