 Rich and distinctive
traditional weaving has been the treasure of Andhra Pradesh. The deep- rooted textile
industry in the region has contributed to the richness of Indian textiles. The handlooms
have produced most of the textiles.
Hand-woven and printed fabrics of Andhra
have been highly preferred by the Persians and Romans and thus have earned a pride of
place. Amongst the most beautiful are the gorgeous fabrics of Narayanpet, Venkatagiri and
Uppada. The most preferred aesthetic fabrics of Andhra Pradesh worldwide through the ages
are Ikat and Kalamkari. This is because of their unique style and technique.
Cotton being the most widely grown crop in
Andhra Pradesh is used as the basic source of yarn. Besides this other synthetic blends
including mulberry and tussar silk are used. Of these Tussar silk is produced from the
wild grown cocoons of the forests of Medak, Karimnagar and Warangal. This silk is
generally half-white in color. Although the silk comes in different shades, the lighter
the shade, the higher the price.
Making of any of these fabrics includes the
processes of dyeing, winding, warping, sizing of the yarn, and eventually weaving.
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