In the late 16th century, Saurashtrian craftsmen from Gujarat settled in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. They enriched the arts and crafts of the Madurai region and established a rich culture of fine weaving. Today, Madurai is known for its cotton textiles, which are of fine quality and durability.
Madurai is located in the textile valley of Tamil Nadu and exports cotton around the world. The Madurai cotton saris are made of high quality cotton. It is distinguishably light in weight and woven in vibrant colors with a prominent border. This cotton sari is heavily starched, giving it a crisp fall.
The confluence of cultures and patronage from the Naikar rulers of Madurai created a unique weaving tradition.