Ikat tradition is widely believed to have developed around the turn of 19th century. The oldest center of 'Chirala', used to produce the famous cotton 'Telia Rumals' or 'Chowkas' woven in pairs and measuring 55 to 75 c.ms. square. These are characterized by their bold, geometrical motifs, in red, black and white, offset by wide single coloured borders, they were used in Indian by fisher folk and cowherds as loincloths, lungis or turbans. In the 1930's they were exported in large numbers to Burma, the middle east and East Africa where they were known as Asia Rumals. These rumals were called Telia because they were dipped in a particular oil which used to give a distinct smell even after years of its weaving. In the 1960s the all India handicrafts board assisted the weavers of Pochampalli to start weaving these Telia Rumal designs into sarees.

This sari is woven in the true tradition of the telia rumals with a red background and bold geometrical motifs all over. The outstanding feature of the Telia saris is the uniformity of design on the body, border and also the Pallav. They all merge together. Telias are now dwindling and hence this sari could become a collectors item.

This description by Bhanupriya

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Delivered by to all international destinations within 3 to 5 days, fully insured.

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Of Related Interest:

The Indian Sari : Fashioning the Female Form (Article)