• Sri Nalla Parandhamulu, a Padmashali handloom artist from Sirisilla in Karimnagar district, created an incredibly delicate saree in 1990, valued at ₹18,000. This saree was so finely woven that it could be held up with just a matchstick.
• In 1982, Sri Chilavenu Ramalingam from Bhudan Pochampally in Nalgonda district wove a handloom replica of Indira Gandhi’s portrait, showcasing exceptional skill.
• Sri Paladi Krishnayya, a Padmashali from Amanagallu in Mahbubnagar district, is an expert in crafting exquisite patto sarees. It takes him about six months and ₹11,000 worth of labor to make a saree valued at ₹35,000, weaving just two inches a day. The saree is woven using 75 threads in the center and 300 at the borders.
• Sri Kandagatla Narasimha, a Padmashali from Hyderabad’s Karwan area, created a saree using 1,70,000 different colors and also crafted the largest tie-dye fabric, measuring 250 inches in width.
• Sri Sangem Krishnamurthy from Vattipally village in Nalgonda district wove a handloom piece depicting the grand battle scene of Lord Mannarayana’s universal form, complete with a chariot, horses, and Arjuna, showcasing a detailed representation on fabric.
• Sri N. Somaraju and Sri P. Venkata Subrahmanyacharyulu from Achanta in West Godavari district collaborated to create a loom capable of weaving two threads at once, a significant advancement in handloom technology.
• Sri Vangara Koteswara Rao from Bhattiprolu in Guntur district created a unique “Ratnam” (precious design) in a short period, spinning a high quantity of thread efficiently.
• Sri Ande Subbarayudu from Chirala in Prakasam district is known for creating handwoven fabrics with intricate designs that were previously unheard of in traditional handloom weaving.
These remarkable artisans have contributed significantly to the handloom industry, showcasing the incredible skill, creativity, and cultural legacy of the Padmashali community.
