Ilkal

Ilkal is a medium-sized town in Bagalkot district in the Indian state of Karnataka. The town is located in a valley that lies in South – East corner of Bagalkote district and is quite close to the borders of Kushtagi taluk of Koppal district. The town falls within the jurisdiction of Hungund taluk and lies at a distance of about 12km south of taluk headquarters. Between these two towns, Ilkal is an important centre of trade, commerce, education and industry. Ilkal is well connected with state and national highways. It is also famous for its hospitality.Ilkal sareeIlkal is famous for handloom sarees, popularly known as Ilkal sarees. These sarees are worn by women of North Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra state. The sarees made here have a distinctive pattern and are usually made from cotton. They are best suited for weather conditions prevailing in the region. Recently sarees made in Ilkal are worn by high society ladies as a fashion statement. There are many wide variety of sarees are made here with variable cotton and silk ratios. Ilkal is also famous for its red granite stone, which is exported all over the world.GeographyIlkal is located at. It has an average elevation of 585 m. Ilkal is famous for pink granite(ruby red), it is exported all over the world. The town is surrounded by the levelled surface and small hills in certain directions which has an abundant resource of the granite stones. The majority of the soil found here is the rich, fertile Black soil with a semi-arid region type.DemographicsIndia census, Ilkal had a population of 51,956. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Ilkal has an average literacy rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 72%, and female literacy is 52%. In Ilkal, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age. Most of the people in the place carry put the occupation of weaving Ilkal sarees, known for its traditional and cultural value. The people of this occupation are mostly the Devangas and other OBC sectors. The caste diversity mostly includes that of the sects like Lingayats, Marvadis and Devangas among Hindus. Muslims and Jains also constitute a major part and the Christians a minor part of the population.