Mehendi Red Kothi Animal Sambalpuri Cotton (Fabric)

According to the GI (Geographical Indications) document for Sambalpuri Bandha Sarees and Fabrics, tie-and-dye weaving in western Odisha dates back to around 600 BC. In traditional handwoven ikat or bandha, either the warp or the weft is tied and dyed before weaving (single ikat), or both the warp and the weft are tie-dyed before weaving (double ikat).

The weaving community is concentrated in the districts of Bargarh, Boudh, Sonepur, Balangir, Nuapada, and Sambalpur, as well as in parts of Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda, where the Meher community resides. Traditional pit looms using the throw-shuttle or fly-shuttle technique are employed for weaving.

The major varieties include Sonepuri, Pasapali, Bomkai, Sachipar, Bichitrapuri, and Bapta (a blend of cotton and silk), produced as sarees and fabrics.