Molakalmuru Sarees ~ Pride of Karnataka

While starting to write, a thousand topics come to my mind. What I try to do is note down as many as possible so that I can get to write about them later. Being a die-hard handloom sari lover, I always want to write about the saris that are very close to my heart - jamdaani, bomkai, ikkat, iikal, maheshwari,bandni and many more. So for the next few blogs I will be writing a bit about these.

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This blog is on Molakalmuru saree. Molakulmuru is a town in the Chitradurga district on the borders of Karnataka from where this saree gets its name. These Sarees are usually produced in silk and showcase a number of motifs and patterns, usually inspired by nature. They received special patronage during the time of Nalvadi Krishnarajendra Wodeyar, prince of Mysore. Recently, Molakalmuru Sarees have received the Geographical Indications tag, referring to the specific origin and specialized production of the saree in the town of Molakalmuru.

The Molakalmuru cluster consists of the following 7 societies:
• Sri Vinayaka Silk and Cotton Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Ltd
• Molakalmuru Town Silk Weavers Co-op Society
• Sri Shiridi Sai Baba Silk Handloom Weavers Co-op Society
• The Handloom Weavers Co-op Society Ltd.,
• Sri Nunkimalai Siddeshwara Silk Weavers Co-op Society Ltd.
• Molakalmuru Taluk Silk Handloom Weavers Co-op Society.
• Molakalmuru Silk Handloom Weavers Production and Sales Cooperative Society Ltd

The name “Molakalmuru” translates to ‘broken knees’ in Kannada (the regional language of Karnataka). According to a local legend, the town was thus named after a battle between the natives and British troops led to a resounding defeat for the latter. It also resulted in many broken knees due to the hilly, rocky terrain that surrounds this town. Today historians believe that this name is merely a symbolic reference to the broken pride of the British.

Molakalmuru sarees are available in silk and cotton. It has been granted geographical Indication tag, which add a extra credit to these sarees. The beautiful floral designs and the rich pallu make these sarees attractive and gorgeous. The long border sarees have a contrast border and the traditional touch is their specialty. The weaving is done mainly on pit looms with either fly shuttle or throw shuttle technique. Three shuttles are used in which one shuttle is used for body portion and two shuttles for both the borders. One can see also see double border sarees which are available in two contrast colors. Motifs which are nature-inspired such as birds, animals and fruits are very few examples.

The sources of inspiration for this saree essentially pertain to the motifs weaved onto them. The most popular motif amongst weavers of the Molakalmuru Saree is the temple motif should ideally have a pic of the Temple Motif highlighted. Inspired by the grand architecture of temples in this region, these motifs are usually incorporated along the thick border of the saree. Their pleasing geometric shape and interlocking symmetry add a lot of beauty to the garment.