The Silk City of India

If you see a lady in an American cafe, with a beautiful scarf around her neck – you may be looking at a product from the Silk city of India. That beautiful silk scarf may have been crafted from a loom in Bhagalpur, Bihar, India. Once considered as the biggest trade center of Eastern India, the city is famous for its unique silk fabrics called 'Tussahor Tusser'. Silk weaving is an 200 years old tradition in the city. Fabrics produced in the city are famous both at the domestic and the international market. Bhagalpur cluster ranks the second highest, next to Karnataka in the production and exports of silk fabrics.

Well-known for its distinct and stunning resilience, as well as its high quality, Bhagalpuri silk is also known as “Queen of all fabrics.” This natural and pure kind of embroidered silk cloth was recognized centuries ago in the Vedic age. The Maurya age also recognized the magical spirit of this artwork, which managed to entice and fascinate most people during this period. The skills to manufacture the Bhagalpuri Silk was handed down to subsequent generations, progressively increasing the demand for this artwork.

Bhagalpuri silk is made from cocoons of Antheraea paphia silkworms. This species, also known as Vanya silkworm is native to India. These silkworms live in the wild forests, in trees belonging to Terminalia species. Bhagalpuri silk is mainly processed in a place called Nathnagar . 

Due to the limit that the artisans set against harming worms to manufacture Bhagalpuri silk, it is also sometimes referred to as “The Peace Silk.” Cities such as Paris and London, known as fashion capitals, have also shown an interest in this fabric, increasing global demand for this embroidered fabric. If you want to test the authenticity of the fabric, the key is to burn the edges slightly. You know you have an original one if it smells like burnt hair rather than merely leaving a solid residue.

Silk fabrics made in Bhagalpur are being exported to countries like West Asia, Europe, U.S., and Japan. Home furnishings are becoming increasingly famous in the international market. Outfits designed with this exclusive silk fabric have gained immense popularity in ramp shows and fashion weeks. The sarees do sell for around $50 abroad which is quite an attraction in social gatherings specially Diwali festival.

Courtesy : Fibre to fashion, Fashinza