Muga Silk

Assam’s Muga silk is known for its extreme durability and natural yellowish-golden tint. In the old times, it was reserved only for royalty. It is often compared to being as valuable as gold. Muga silk is mainly produced by the Garo community of Assam. The semi-domesticated multivoltine silkworm called Antheraea Assamensis are fed on the leaves of Som and Soalu plants. The silk thus produced from them has a glossy texture and is quite durable. At least an acre of land is required by a silk farmer to cultivate about 400 grams of Muga silk. Roughly 2 months are required to weave a single Muga silk saree, but the actual weaving process takes about one week to 10 days to complete.

The golden color and the shine of the fabric attracts many buyers. This shine is said to improve after each wash making it a product that will last the buyer her lifetime. Other than the golden yellow base color, additional colors can be added via embroidery and zari work making the product even more attractive. Some of the motifs that are embroidered include Jappi (the typical assami topi), Miri Gos Butta (a pattern of miniature tree motifs) and kabutar (pigeons). These motifs are always geometrical in shape and have not changed over the years.

Muga silk still remains a classic amongst all saree collections of Indian women. It’s traditional outlook and non-versatility make it largely demanding amongst various age groups in India. Muga silk saree price can range between Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 1,50,000. However, with the original golden glow and the silk being one of the highest qualities of silk available, makes the cost worthwhile.