The sarees of Mysuru
The royal city of Karnataka, long associated with Mysore silk saris, which are known for pure silk and fine gold zari.
Motifs of Mysuru
Woven here
Best time: October to March; Dasara is the busiest season.
GI: Mysore Silk is a registered Geographical Indication.
Mysuru was the seat of the Wodeyar kings, who supported silk and sandalwood. The city is known for Mysore silk saris, which are woven from pure silk and usually carry real zari. The state silk factory in the city is one of the older government mills of its kind.
What is woven here
Mysore silk saris are noted for their smooth, soft feel and for a drape that sits close to the body. They are often woven in solid colours with a zari border and pallu. Crepe de chine silk is also made here. The cloth is lighter than south Indian temple silk, and it is widely used for weddings and formal occasions.
The craft and its people
Silk reeling, weaving and finishing are done by several different groups of workers, in factories and in smaller units. Karnataka is a major silk-growing state, and the region has long supplied mulberry silk. The saris are sold through government outlets and private shops.
Seeing it
The Mysore Palace, the Devaraja Market and the city's silk shops are the usual visits. Check whether the government silk factory is open for visits on the day you go, as tours depend on its schedule. The city is at its busiest during Dasara.
A trail idea for Mysuru
- Mysore Palace Start with the palace to see the court that shaped the city's silk and craft tradition.
- Devaraja Market A busy market with flowers, spices and cloth, best visited in the morning.
- Government silk outlets See pure silk saris with zari borders and compare weights and finishes.
Written by the EveryPallu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Mysore" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and workshops change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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