• Kasuti: Traditional folk embroidery of Karnataka.
• Meaning: Derived from:
  • Kai → Hand
  • Suti/Suttu → Wrap/Weave
• History: Dates back to the Chalukya period.
• Mysore Kingdom: In the 17th century, Kasuti was one of the 64 arts expected of women courtiers.
• GI Protection: Kasuti embroidery has GI protection, with intellectual property rights held by the Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation (KHDC).

🪡 Features of Kasuti

• Highly intricate hand embroidery.
• May involve up to 5,000 stitches.
• Traditionally used on:
  • Ilkal sarees
  • Ravike/Kuppasa (Khana)
  • Angi
• Designs are influenced by Karnataka Rangoli patterns.
• Traditionally, Kasuti sarees formed part of the bridal trousseau.
• Chandrakali saree: Black silk saree with Kasuti embroidery; considered especially important.
• Each thread is carefully counted while stitching.
• Patterns are stitched without knots, so both sides of the fabric appear alike.

🎨 Major Kasuti Stitches

1. Gavanthi – Double running stitch; used for vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines.
2. Murgi – Zig-zag stitch.
3. Negi – Running stitch.
4. Menthi – Cross stitch resembling fenugreek seeds.

🌺 Important Motifs

• Gopura
• Chariot/Ratha
• Palanquin
• Lamps
• Conch shells
• Folk and Rangoli-inspired designs

🏛️ Modern Development

• Expanded beyond traditional clothing, including Mysore silk sarees.
• A Kasuti Centre was established at Hubli by the Karnataka Department of Social Welfare.
• The centre aimed to promote Kasuti and provide rural women a platform to showcase their craft.
• The craft faces challenges due to poor patronage.

⭐ Exam Quick Revision

• Kasuti → Traditional folk embroidery of Karnataka
• Origin → Chalukya period
• Kai → Hand
• Suti/Suttu → Wrap/Weave
• 17th-century Mysore Kingdom → One of 64 arts
• GI protection holder → KHDC
• Maximum stitches → Up to 5,000
• Four major stitches → Gavanthi, Murgi, Negi, Menthi
• Gavanthi → Double running stitch
• Murgi → Zig-zag stitch
• Negi → Running stitch
• Menthi → Cross stitch
• Major traditional saree → Ilkal saree
• Important bridal saree → Chandrakali
• Motifs → Gopura, chariot, palanquin, lamps, conch shells
• Special feature → No knots; both sides look alike
• Kasuti Centre → Hubli