Kodiyala’s weave architects

The story of the Padmashali community of Kodiyala, the weaving village in Karnataka’s Mandya district, isn’t too different from many others in India. Once patronised by royals (it is believed that in the 1750s, Tipu Sultan invited them over from Andhra Pradesh), their handwoven craft had given way to the lure of power looms, until only around four of the 400 families worked with hand looms. Then Kshitija Mruthyunjaya visited them early last year. The architecture student (of Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Milan, Italy) had reached out to The Registry of Sarees, founded by entrepreneur and perfumer Ahalya Matthan, for her MA Design thesis, just when the Bengaluru-based research and curatorial platform was looking for someone to spearhead the revival of the traditionally minimal Kodiyala sari. Discussions with the weavers — and a collaboration with Shrenis Trust, an outfit that empowers artisanal communities through skill development and digital opportunities — has since seen a reclamation of the Padmashalis’ identity.