The story
Balaramapuram's weaving began when the Travancore rulers brought Saliya weaving families from the Tirunelveli and Nagercoil region to make fine cloth for the royal household. The weavers specialised in very fine cotton with gold zari (kasavu) borders. Handloom cooperatives and private master weavers sell the sarees across Kerala, especially for Onam and weddings. Balaramapuram sarees and fine cotton fabrics hold a GI tag.
In numbers
Balaramapuram Sarees and Fine Cotton Fabrics is a registered GI (application 152, certificate 120).
GI Registry — Balaramapuram Sarees and Fine Cotton Fabrics, application 152
GI tag
- Balaramapuram Sarees and Fine Cotton FabricsApplication no. GI Application No. 152 (Certificate No. 120)GI Registry, Intellectual Property India — application 152
Ways in for a newcomer
- Online sale of genuine Balaramapuram kasavu sarees
- Contemporary garments from Balaramapuram fabric
- Yarn, zari and dyeing supply to weavers
- Festival-season (Onam) retail and corporate gifting
Problems the cluster faces
- Powerloom copies from Tamil Nadu sold as Balaramapuram
- Young people leaving weaving
- Seasonal demand around Onam
- Rising yarn and zari costs
Businesses to start here
Zari and Silk Embroidery →Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →Saree Rolling and Polishing →