Ilkal

Ilkal is famous for handloom sarees, popularly known as Ilkal sarees. These sarees are worn by women of North Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra state. The sarees made here have a distinctive pattern and are usually made from cotton. They are best suited for weather conditions prevailing in the region. Recently sarees made in Ilkal are worn by high society ladies as a fashion statement. There are many wide variety of sarees are made here with variable cotton and silk ratios. Ilkal is also famous for its red granite stone, which is exported all over the world.

Ilkal is located at 15.97°N 76.13°E / 15.97; 76.13.[1] It has an average elevation of 585 m. Ilkal is famous for pink granite (ruby red), which is exported all over the world. The town is surrounded by the levelled surface and small hills in certain directions which has an abundant resource of the granite stones. The majority of the soil found here is the rich, fertile Black soil with a semi-arid region type.

As of the 2001 Indian census,[2] Ilkal had a population of 51,956. Males constituted 51% of the population and females 49%. Ilkal had an average literacy rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy was 72%, and female literacy was 52%. In Ilkal, 14% of the population was under 6 years of age. Most people in the place have the occupation of weaving Ilkal sarees, known for its traditional and cultural value. The people of this occupation are mostly the Devangas and other OBC sectors. The caste diversity mostly includes that of the sects like Lingayats, Marvadis and Devangas among Hindus. Muslims and Jains also constitute a major part and the Christians a minor part of the population.

Shri Vijay Mahantesh—A saint (ajja), who followed the foot prints of lord BASAVA and showed the way of living life with peace and harmony. It is believed that, he never disappoints his devotees. A temple (math or gaduge) is built in his name, by the devotees. Every year in the month of September (Shravan masa—Hindu calendar), i.e. last Monday of that month a fair is held, where a chariot decorated with flowers is being pulled by the devotees or followers of the math. A possession will be held in the evening in which a well decorated palanquin is taken around the town.

The people from Ilkal are very industrious and are backed by good background of business. The main source of income is the granite business and weaving is a widespread occupation. The agricultural land is not arable, and it faces the threat of pollution because of the granite activities involved and water shortage. Hence, the agriculture provides a very little employment opportunity to the locals. Jowar, Sunflower are the major crops grown here, and the agriculture is rain dependent.

As stated above, Ilkal is also famous for Ilkal sarees, which are a specific designed border. These will be dazzlingly authentic, to wear in any functions. The Ilkal pure silk saree costs anywhere between Rs.4000 and 12000, whereas an Ilkal chamka (alternate thread of cotton and silk) saree costs somewhere between 600 and 2000. Most of the handloom weaving culture is replaced by the powerloom weaving styles and the industry is gradually dwindling because of competitions, lack of creative skills and innovations and lack of support. The main competitor for the industry is Gajendagad.

The granite brings in a lot of revenue and the business is well established. The quarries and mines nearby are excavated for the raw stone, processed and polished and marketed. It is an important export commodity from the place and the town has welcomed an immense urbanization from the states as far as Rajasthan and Orissa. Nearby villages like Hoolageri have been widely benefitted and influenced and it is a main form of employment for the people of the regions. Important products include ruby red and Ilkal chocolate.

• Ilkal saree