Silk has been an enticing fabric in India thanks to its smooth texture and beautiful appearance. This natural fiber is produced from the cocoon of silkworms, small creatures mostly found on mulberry leaves.
China remains the largest producer of silk, followed by India. Over the years, India’s silk industry has been a significant contributor to the country’s booming fashion industry and overall economic growth.
This industry has created jobs for more than 8 million people in the silk-producing states like Karnataka, Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and more. Despite being one of the largest silk producers worldwide, India is also the largest silk fabric producer.
This article will look at the different types of silk fabrics produced in India.
1. Mulberry Silk
This type of silk is the most renowned in the Indian textile and apparel industry. It is harvested from the silkworm, whose food is the white Mulberry plant. This explains its white and off-white color. The Indian States that are the leading producer of this silk fabric include Karnataka, Kashmir, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
2. Eri Silk
The Eri silk is produced in some eastern parts of India and is harvested from open-ended cocoons of silkworms originating from Assam. Many prefer the Eri silk, also known as Errandi or Endi silk, because of its non-violent origin. This is so because it is harvested without killing the silk; hence dubbed peace silk.
3. Tasar/ Tussar Silk
This silk is an exquisite fabric from the larvae of Antheraea mylitta, native to the wild forest. Hence, it is also referred to as wild silk. Its deep gold sheen and rich texture make it an ideal fabric choice for sarees, dresses, dupattas, and furnishings. India prides itself on being the exclusive producer of Indian Tussar Silk and the second-largest producer of Tasar silk.
4. Art Silk
Art silk is artificial silk generated from a synthetic fiber that resembles silk fiber. Hence, it is cheap and good for making affordable silk Sarees, Lehengas, and Salwar Kameez.
5. Bangalore Silk
Bangalore silk is renowned for its wide range of colors, patterns, and prints. It is also simple and hails from the Bangalore silk farm, first established by Japanese professionals. The Japanese later trained the locals on the Mulberry plantation, and the farm became a significant contributor to the textile industry years later.
6. Muga Silk
The Muga silk is exclusive to Assam and is generated from the larvae of a silkworm called Antheraea Assamensis (Assam silkmoth). It has a shimmering glossy appearance and a yellowish-gold tint.
Besides, this silk fabric is considered one of the most robust and durable silk fabrics. Impressively, this fabric increases its luster with every wash and age.
Muga silk is one of the rarest silk fabrics globally, which explains its expensive price tag. Muga silk Sarees are popularly worn by the Bihu natives of Assam. It is also used to make Kurtas, Stoles, Mekhela Chador, and more.
Conclusion
You can do so much with silk fabric, including making a Saree or a Patiala suit. If you are looking for beautiful Patiyala suits with handwork, don’t hesitate to visit Lashkaara. Patiyala suits by Lashkaara are designed by skilled designers and come in a wide range of modern patterns, colors, sizes, and designs.
