Mangalagiri Sarees and Fabrics

Mangalagiri Sarees and Fabrics are produced by performing handicraft weaving in Mangalagiri, a town in Guntur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It was registered as one of the handicraft in the geographical indication from Andhra Pradesh by "Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999". The Mangalagiri fabric is produced by weaving with the help of pitlooms from combed yarn by warp and woof interlacing. The fabric then undergoes the process of dyeing. The "Nizam design" is another characteristic of the fabric.
History.
The occupation of weaving is as old as 400 years as per some inscriptions found at this region. There was a migratory period for the weavers during the rule of Qutub Shahi due to increase in taxes.
Stages of production.
The production of the Mangalagiri sari includes different stages which includes:
Pre-loom process
Sarees.
Mangalagiri saris are unique variety, woven from cotton and has the most characteristic features such like zari on the border and no woven designs on the body. As the town is also the abode of Lord Narasimha Temple, the saris are also used by the devotees for devotional purposes.