Powering ahead, for a contemporary aesthetic

The lightweight, airy Kota sari is a summer favourite. Traditionally, the Kota doria fabric is handwoven on pit looms using cotton and silk yarns to result in a unique chequered pattern. Textile history has it that the weave originated in Mysuru and was patronised by Maharao Singh Kishore, the ruler of Kota in Rajasthan. Pockets of weavers in Karnataka and Kaithoon, situated near Kota, in Rajasthan, adhere to the handloom method. However, most Kota doria saris and yardages now sold in the retail market are products of the power loom.