700 Salvi families, who were expert in weaving double ikat, came from Maharashtra to Patan Gujarat in reign of Raja Kumarpal who was fond of patola.
Only one original Salvi family remains active in the art. Patola is very expensive & time consuming.
Patola as made by master weavers in Patan is double. Saree starts from 1lakh plus. In olden days only the royal family could afford it.
I saw a bill from 1936 when gold was 5₹ tola of a saree which cost 120₹!
No wonder the craft is celebrated on Rani ka vaw
i visited the Patola House belonging to the Salvi family and saw some beautiful work there