Silk farming, or sericulture, is an important agro-based cottage industry in Bengal, which is among the top 5 silk-producing states in India (along with Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir). Today, Bengal accounts for about 9% of the raw silk produced in the country. All the 4 commercially produced varieties of silk - mulberry, tussar, eri and muga, are cultivated here.  
Silk Map of West Bengal

  • Mulberry silk: Mulberry silk derives its name from the mulberry plant whose leaves are fed to the silkworm, Bombyx mori, which produce this silk. The mulberry trees are cultivated and these silkworms are reared specifically for silk production, making this the only variety of domesticated silk. This is also the most common variety of silk, and accounts for about 80% of the total raw silk produced in the state. Malda, Murshidabad and Birbhum districts have a historical legacy of silk production since colonial times, and they continue to produce the bulk of the raw silk. Murshidabad is additionally famous for weaving fine silk fabrics from the processed raw silk. Mulberry silk weaving is also done in Bishnupur, in the Bankura district.

  • Tussar silk: Tussar silk is the most common variety of wild (or non-domesticated) silk from Bengal, and accounts for about 28% of the total raw silk produced. It is produced from the silkworm, antherea mylitta, which feed on the leaves of the arjun and asan plants. Tussar silk is mostly cultivated in Bankura, Purulia and West Medinipur and much of the cultivation is done by the tribal population in these districts.

  • Eri silk: Eri silk derives its name from the Assamese word, era, meaning castor. The silkworm, Philosamia ricini, feed on the leaves of the castor plant to produce this silk. This silk is produced mainly in Assam and other north-eastern states, and to a small extent in the Jalpaiguri district of Bengal.

  • Muga silk: Muga silk, famous for its golden-yellow colour, is produced by the silkworm, Antheraea assamensis, which feed on the leaves of the som and soalu plants. Though primarily a native of Assam, small quantities of this silk are produced in the Cooch Bihar district of Bengal.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

9 famous weaves from Odisha

Image
Here’s some of the different sarees from Odisha which can never go out of fashion!  1) Bomkai from Ganjam  These are also known as  Sonepuri Silk  and are one of the popular handloom sarees of Odisha. Intricately embroidered and threaded, they are a piece of art with  ikat , and comes in both silk and cotton. 2) Patta from Berhampur Another one that’s even more renowned is the Patta sarees. Their uniqueness comprises of the typical Odissi style of weaving, crafted in temple type of designs besides having borders of beautiful  zari  work! 3) Khandua from Cuttack and Nuapatna The glossy Khandua designed sarees stand out in itself for its elaborate patterns and colors that can attract at once. Overall it’s a pleasing piece of garment styled in both contemporary and traditional ways! 4) Sambalpuri from Sambalpur, Bargarh and others While it firstly became recognised when Lt. Indira Gandhi started wearing them, nevertheless its charm is intact even till t
Read more

Difference among Chiffon, Crepe, Crepe-de-Chine, Georgette, Organza

Image
Organza Silk Organza  is a thin, plain weave, sheer fabric traditionally made from  silk . Many modern organzas are woven with synthetic filament fibers such as polyester or nylon. ... Deluxe  silk  organzas are woven in France and Italy.  Organza  is used for bridalwear and eveningwear. Silk organza  is woven by a number of mills. It is the most  expensive organza  and the most prized. This type of  Organza  must be dry cleaned.  Organza  is now being made from polyester and nylon to help ease cost. Organza Silk Chiffon Silk Chiffon literally means “rag” in French. This elegant, sheer fabric is quite limp, with a beautiful drape. It has a soft, supple, thin hand and a flat, crepe-like texture.It made from silk, cotton, nylon, polyester, or rayon.It is basically refers to a light plain woven sheer fabric. It is delicate in appearance, it is a relatively strong, balanced fabric and can be dyed or printed for use in dresses, millinery, scarves, and lampshades.
Read more

Baluchuri Sarees ~ Pride of Bengal

Image
Two years back I went to a trip to Bishnupur in West Bengal to see the famous terracotta temples of Bengal. I was mesmerised with the amazing terracotta sculptures that were done all over the temples. The stories depict scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, everyday life, men, women, animals, flowers and so much more. In case you are interested, you may read my travel stories here. link:  Blog Post The last destination our guide took us was to a small room ( he called factory ) where we saw two weavers who were working on their looms. They were making a beautiful red-tinted pink Baluchari saree which has figures of Lord Ram and Sita on the pallu and lions and lotuses on the border. It was just as beautiful as poetry. Our guide briefed us about this wonderful saree. It is a favourite in Bengal and I already have 6 baluchuris but I never knew the history of this art. " Baluchari Saris are made from silk. The appeal of the Baluchari lies in its colour harmony and not contrast, o
Read more