The story
Dharmavaram, in the dry Rayalaseema region, became a major silk weaving town as weavers shifted from cotton to silk for better income. The sarees have broad contrast borders with gold zari and temple, peacock and elephant motifs, and are popular as wedding sarees. Weavers work on pit and frame looms fitted with jacquards. Dharmavaram Handloom Pattu Sarees and Paavadas carry a GI tag.
In numbers
Andhra Pradesh (undivided) had more than a lakh handlooms, mostly in weaving pockets such as Dharmavaram, Pochampally, Gadwal and Narayanpet.
Andhra Pradesh State Industrial Profile 2014-15 (MSME-DI Hyderabad, DC-MSME) · 2015
GI tag
- Dharmavaram Handloom Pattu Sarees and PaavadasApplication no. GI application no. 215Registration details of Geographical Indications (IP India GI Registry)
Ways in for a newcomer
- Bridal silk saree retail and online sales
- Silk yarn twisting and dyeing
- Jacquard card punching and design services
- Zari supply
Problems the cluster faces
- Powerloom silk sarees sold as handloom
- Silk price rises
- Drought-hit region and debt among weavers
Businesses to start here
Zari and Silk Embroidery →Saree Rolling and Polishing →Saree Dyeing and Printing →Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →