GI Products of Telangana

About Telangana

Telangana is a landlocked state in south-central India, on the Deccan plateau and the Godavari and Krishna river basins. Its capital, Hyderabad, has a history shaped by the Qutb Shahi and Nizam dynasties, and it is famous for its cuisine, pearls and the Charminar. The state has a strong tradition of Telugu culture, folk arts and festivals such as Bathukamma, and both rural weaving centres and a large technology industry.

Crafts, food and farm traditions

Pochampally ikat is Telangana's GI textile in this catalogue and is one of the best-known ikat weaving traditions in India. The state's other GI products include Hyderabadi haleem, Nirmal painting and toys, Gadwal sarees and Siddipet Gollabhama, showing the range from food to craft. Weaving clusters near Hyderabad supply both local buyers and national markets.

Visiting and buying

When buying from Telangana, look for state handloom outlets such as Telangana State Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society and buy directly from the weavers' cooperatives in Pochampally. Check for the Handloom Mark and GI label. This page lists the Telangana product currently in this catalogue, with advice on identifying authentic ikat.

Best time to go and practical notes

October to February is the most pleasant season, with Hyderabad as the gateway and Pochampally a road trip of around an hour or two from the city, depending on traffic. Weaving households welcome visitors on working days, and cooperative showrooms let you compare designs. Bathukamma, celebrated in the run-up to Dussehra, is a good time for textile shopping. Summers are hot, and the monsoon can disrupt rural roads between June and September.

Things to know before you buy

When you buy Pochampally ikat, ask whether the cloth is single or double ikat and whether it is cotton, silk or a blend, since these choices set the price. Compare the cooperative's rates with private shops, and check that the pattern appears on both sides. Measure the length and border width before paying, and wash new pieces separately at first because vegetable and synthetic dyes can bleed.