Kapilo Mahanta is a skilled textile artisan from Kotpad, Odisha, with over 35 years of experience. She specialises in traditional natural dyeing and weaving, using tree bark and other natural materials while preserving Kotpad's rich textile heritage.
Kapilo Mahanta is an artisan from Mirgan Street, Kotpad, Odisha, with over 35 years of experience in traditional textile craftsmanship. She practices natural dyeing using tree bark, cow dung, and water, while preserving traditional weaving techniques. Her dedication creates skin-friendly, comfortable fabrics while continuing Kotpad's longstanding textile heritage.
Kotpad textiles are made using cotton yarn, which is washed and naturally dyed before weaving. Aal roots, castor oil, cow dung, hirakasi, and iron create distinctive off-white, reddish-maroon, brown, and black shades. The dyed yarn is handwoven on pit looms, producing patterned fields, pallus, and supplementary-weft motifs.
Koraput, located along the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border, is the centre of Kotpad textile weaving. The Mirgan community is renowned for its exceptional handwoven textiles and traditional vegetable dyeing techniques. The Kotpad fabrics are valued for their comfort, climate adaptability, and believed healing properties, reflecting its distinctive cultural and textile heritage.
Kotpad textiles are traditionally made into sarees, shawls, dupattas, and other handwoven garments. These products feature distinctive geometric patterns and tribal motifs inspired by nature and folklore. Tortoises, fish, peacocks, birds, trees, daggers, and palanquins are commonly incorporated, giving each textile a unique cultural identity and visual character.
Kotpad textiles have been woven for centuries, with knowledge passed down through generations of specific tribal communities. Traditionally created for communities such as Dhurua, Poroja, Gadaba, Madhia, Bhatara, and Muria, the craft reflects their cultural identity. Its sustainable natural dyeing methods and distinctive textiles continue to preserve this heritage.
Contact : +91 9937654014
