Assam_silk

Assam silk denotes the three major types of indigenous silks produced in Assam—golden Muga, white Pat and warm Eri silk. The Assam silk industry, now centered in Sualkuchi, is a labor intensive industry.

Contents 1 Muga silk 2 Pat silk 3 Eri silk 4 Usage 5 References 6 External links

Muga silk

Muga Silkworms on a Som tree.

Muga silk is the product of the silkworm Antherea assamensis endemic to Assam. The pupa of these silkworms feed on som (Machilus bombycina) and sualu (Litsaea polyantha) leaves. The silk produced is known for its glossy fine texture and durability. Due to its low porosity the Muga yarn cannot be bleached nor dyed and its natural golden color is retained. This silk can be hand-washed with its luster increasing after every wash. Very often the silk outlives its owner.

Assam has received a Geographical indication for the production of Muga.Silk variety gets GI registration The Hindu

Pat silk

Pat silk is produced by silkworms which feed on mulberry leaves. It is usually brilliant white or off-white in colour.

Eri silk

Eri silk is made by "Philosamia ricini" which feed on castor leaves. It is also known as Endi or Errandi silk. Due to the fact that manufacturing process of Eri allows the pupae to develop into adults and only the open ended cocoons are used for turning into silk , it is also popularly known as non-violent silk. This silk is soft and warm and is popular as shawls and quilts.

Usage

• The primary use of Muga and Pat is in making "Mekhela chadors", traditional Assamese women\'s dress.
• Silk "Gamosas" made of Pat are used more for gifts and as decorative neck wear than the regular gamosas.
• Eri is used mostly to make shawls and quilts, because of its remarkable properties of temperature isolation and softness.

References

• Goswami, Kishor (2006) Impact of Globalization on Silk Industry of Northeast India: An Assessment from Gender Perspective
• Varadarajan, Lotika (1988) Silk in Northeastern and Eastern India: The Indigenous Tradition, Modern Asian Studies, Vol. 22, No. 3 pp. 561-570

External links

• Assamsilks.com
• Informative FAQ on Assam Silk
• Sualkuchi silk

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