Karvath kati tussar sari weavers belong to the Koshti or Koshta tribe (even known as the Halba community), a Kshatriya Hindu caste that claims to be descendants of Kush, the son of Lord Rama. Koshti - the term literary means raw silk - their main occupation was weaving. Today, these tribes majorly reside in Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, MP, and Karnataka, with a small population in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. The Koshtis were Kshatriyas who served as soldiers in Peshwa’s and Tipu Sultan's kingdoms. Some Koshtis believe that they are descendants of Markandeya Rishi.
This unique saw-edged design, beautifully woven adjacent to the border on both sides of the sari, flaunts the rich hand-woven textile heritage of Vidharbha. This distinct temple design of the karvath kati sari sets it apart from the myriad weaving styles of India. Karvath kati saris are 6.5 metres long and approximately 1.3 metres wide. The hand-reeled pure tussar silk is used to weave the body or field of the sari, while the intricate borders are woven with cotton yarn, and most border designs are inspired by the auspicious sculptures of the famous Ramtek temple in the region, thus nurturing the cultural essence of the karvath kati saris.
Historical records and proofs of the origin of this traditional hand-woven treasure date back to 1732. Its trade with Pauni, ruled by Chand Kings, is mentioned in the Bhandara district gazette published by the government of Maharashtra. Maharashtra State Handloom Corporation sells genuine Karvath Kati saris in their 'Indrayani' stores, with the G.I. tag and the "Silk Mark" on them.
