the craft
Gadwal Silk
From Gadwal in Telangana, celebrated for pairing a lightweight body with a pure silk pallu and zari border joined by the interlocked kuppadam technique. So fine it was once said to fold into a matchbox, its rich contrast borders and temple motifs make it a festive and bridal favourite.
- Woven in
- Gadwal, Telangana
- Signature
- Lightweight body with pure silk pallu, interlocked kuppadam zari border
Gadwal Silk pieces
See all
How to tell a real Gadwal Silk
A Gadwal is built from two different cloths joined into one. The body is deliberately light, and the pallu and border are pure silk with zari. They are locked together by the interlocked kuppadam technique rather than stitched, and that join is the thing to look for. Run your fingers across it: you should feel the change in weight without finding a seam.
Gadwal sarees are famously light. The old line is that one would fold small enough to fit in a matchbox, and while that is a boast, the lightness is real and it is the first thing you notice picking one up.
Wearing it
A Gadwal is the saree for a long, warm event. The light body means it carries easily for hours, while the pure silk pallu still gives you a proper heavy fall over the shoulder.
Because the contrast border is usually bold, a blouse matched to the border colour rather than the body is the classic pairing, and it makes the contrast read as intentional.
Looking after it
Dry clean only - Air the saree after every use - Remove the sarees and air them every 3-4 months for longevity
Questions
- Why is the body lighter than the border?
- That is the Gadwal weave, not a shortcut. A light body with a pure silk zari pallu and border is exactly what the technique is for, and it is why the saree wears so comfortably.
- Will the border come away from the body?
- No. The kuppadam join is interlocked on the loom rather than stitched on, which is what makes it last as long as the saree.
More craft
