Patan Patola
| GI number | GI-58 |
|---|---|
| Typical price | ₹1,50,000 - ₹10,00,000 |
| Verified cooperatives | Patan Patola Salvi Family Guild |
| State | Gujarat |
About Patan Patola
Patan Patola is a double-ikat silk sari made in Patan in northern Gujarat. Both the warp and the weft threads are tie-dyed before weaving, and the pattern appears with brilliant clarity on both sides of the fabric. Typical motifs include elephants, parrots, flowers and geometric grids. It is among the most expensive handloom saris in India because of the time and precision involved.
Heritage and place
The Patola tradition is closely associated with the Salvi family of Patan, who have kept the craft alive for many generations. Historically, patola saris were worn by wealthy families and traded widely, and their patterns influenced textiles across Southeast Asia. The GI is vital for protecting authentic Patan Patola, since printed and single-ikat imitations are common.
How it is made
The design is planned on graph paper and transferred to the yarn. Hundreds of separate bundles of warp and weft threads are tied and dyed in stages with different colours. After dyeing, the threads are set on the loom so that the coloured segments match exactly during weaving. One error can spoil the pattern, so a single sari can take months of work by several artisans.
Registry record
Patan Patola is listed in this catalogue as GI-58, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Gujarat in the handicrafts category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.
◈ How to spot a fake Patan Patola
What to check
Look at the back: on a genuine double-ikat Patola the pattern is nearly identical on both sides and shows slightly blurred edges typical of tie-dyed thread. Printed or single-ikat imitations have a clear front and pale back. The silk should be lustrous and smooth. Ask for the weaver's certification, and buy from the Salvi family workshops or registered outlets. Expect prices well above those of other silk saris.
- Double-ikat silk where design elements align flawlessly on both front and back surfaces. Takes up to 6 months per piece.
Price to expect
Genuine Patan Patola typically sells in the range of ₹1,50,000 - ₹10,00,000. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.
Where to buy
Look for authorised sellers such as Patan Patola Salvi Family Guild, or government emporia and cooperatives in Gujarat.
Catalogue record
Catalogue record: GI-58 · Gujarat · reviewed
Frequently asked questions
What is the GI registration number of Patan Patola?
This catalogue lists Patan Patola as GI-58. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.
Where is Patan Patola made?
Patan Patola is produced in Gujarat, in the handicrafts category of this catalogue.
Can Patan Patola legally be made outside Gujarat?
No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Gujarat may legally sell goods under the name “Patan Patola”.
What does genuine Patan Patola cost?
Genuine Patan Patola typically sells in the range of ₹1,50,000 - ₹10,00,000. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.
How can I spot a fake Patan Patola?
Double-ikat silk where design elements align flawlessly on both front and back surfaces. Takes up to 6 months per piece.
Where should I buy genuine Patan Patola?
Look for authorised sellers such as Patan Patola Salvi Family Guild, or government emporia and cooperatives in Gujarat.