The sarees of Karaikudi and the Chettinad towns

What is woven here

The Kandangi sari is a cotton sari with large checks and a wide border, often in bright reds, oranges, blues and yellows. It is thick enough to be worn daily and stand repeated washing. It has long been associated with women of the Chettiar community, and today it is woven in the town of Kandanur and others nearby. Plain and checked cottons are also made here.

The craft and its people

Weaving is done in homes and small sheds on handlooms. Cooperative societies and private traders market the cloth. The sari has gone from a daily garment to a sought-after handloom, and weavers have worked to keep the colours bold.

Seeing it

Chettinad is visited for its mansions with carved teak doors and painted walls, and for its food. Some of the villages have weavers who work in homes and can be visited with a local guide. Ask at a guesthouse for the day's weaving options rather than turning up unannounced.

A trail idea for Karaikudi and the Chettinad towns

1. Chettinad mansions of Karaikudi See the carved doors and tiled floors that show how wealthy merchant homes were built.
2. Kandanur village A weaving village where the Kandangi sari is made on handlooms in homes.
3. Antique and handloom shops A small cluster in the town sells checked cottons and old household goods.