Pastel blue with magenta red border

The history of the Mangalagiri cotton saree, which dates back over 500 years in Andhra Pradesh, is deeply rooted in the town’s connection to the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, where it was customary for pilgrims to purchase sarees from local weavers. Though the weaving community endured severe hardships and heavy taxes during the Mughal era, leading many to flee, the craft was revived under the patronage of subsequent rulers like Raja Vasireddi Venkatadri Naidu in the early 19th century. The tradition, known for its fine cotton, simple elegance, and Nizam border, was further bolstered during the British era when the fabric was exported, and its authenticity and traditional weaving techniques were officially recognized in 2013 when it received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.