Paithani

Paithani is named for the town of Paithan on the Godavari river, the erstwhile capital of the Satavahana dynasty (2nd century BCE–2nd century CE). Historical references to Paithani weaving appear in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea (1st century CE) as a luxury export to Rome. The tradition survived the medieval period under the patronage of the Yadava kings of Devagiri and was revived in the 17th century by the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire, who moved a batch of expert weavers to Yeola in Nashik district — which is why today Yeola produces more Paithanis than Paithan itself. Recognised by GI in 2010.

Yeola (Nashik district) is the current weaving epicentre with roughly 4,000 active weavers; Paithan town retains a smaller heritage cluster of about 400 master looms; small production also in Aurangabad and Malegaon.