Kollegal originally called Kaulava derived its name from two hermits ‘Kauhala’ and ‘Galava’ who were instrumental in the development of the place. Kollegal town is the Taluk Head Quarters in Chamrajnagar District of Karnataka State and it is 140 kms away from Bangalore and only 60 kms away from Sathyamangalam of Tamil Nadu. Often known as the Silk City, Kollegal houses weavers whose expertise lie in weaving pure silk sarees and fabrics.
Silk weaving is the traditional and native occupation of Kollegal. Kollegal silk sarees are very unique for their design and originality. Kollegal is famous for reeling and twisting of Silk and produces its own raw silk. Most of the Silk Sarees are produced in pit looms. Devangas and Padmasalvis are the two major weaving communities engaged in silk weaving in the area.
Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) in collaboration with Microsoft has conceptualized The Digital Cluster Development Programme to empower the artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs in Hanur village of Kollegal Taluk in Chamraj Nagara district of Karnataka state.