Various Varieties of Natural Silk and Silk Sarees Found in India
Silk is perhaps the most favorite fabric of women across the nation. Even globally, the fabric of silk holds a special place in the closets of women. But is the term 'silk' enough to determine a fabric's quality? Do you not want to know more about what type of silk it is and its origin? In this article, we will tell you all there is to know about the different types of silk sarees.
Types of natural Silk
When it comes to natural silk (the yarns), there are just four categories that are found in India. They are; -
- Mulberry Silk- This type of silk is the most revered in India for its sheen. Mulberry silks have long threads and are mostly produced in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Jammu & Kashmir. It has a fantastic texture and is high in demand throughout India and globally.
- Tassar Silk- Tassar silk is also called 'wild silk' because the silkworm that produces the Tassar silk is found in the wilderness. This variety of silk has a deep golden sheen with a rich texture. It is mainly used in the garment industry for making dupattas and sarees. The Tassar silk is found in the stares of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
- Eri Silk-This silk is known as 'Ahimsa Silk' as it is obtained without killing the silkworm. The Eri silk is also known as Erandi silk and is produced in the region of Assam. Eri silk is not as costly as the other varieties of silk. It is rather coarse in texture, and it is for this reason that shawls, bed sheets and curtains are made from this type of silk.
- Muga Silk- Muga silk is the most durable natural fiber known. This type of silk is rare and comes with a distinct yellow texture that has a luscious sheen. It is hugely coveted by Assamese women and is mainly used to make Mekhla Chador. Muga is known for its extreme longevity. One unique feature of Muga silk is that it's sheen increases after every wash!
Different Types of Silk Sarees
Types of silk sarees depends on a lot of other factors such as the work, design, motifs, and process of making apart from the variety of silk used. Let us get to know the different types of silk sarees that are most popular in India.
Banarasi Silk Saree
These sarees are originally made in Banaras and come with heavily worked of Zari on the canvas of the nine-yards. These sarees are soft and have a traditional significance.
Kanjivaram Saree
This is perhaps the most favorite variety of silk saree. These sarees have a sheen and are made in the district of Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. A defining characteristic of Kanjivaram saree is the presence of zari work made with pure gold and silver. These sarees have a broad border and a highly embellished pallu.
Bhagalpuri Silk
These silk sarees are made from the Tassar variety and have a texture to them. They are vibrant in color and hails from the land of Bhagalpur, Bihar.
Baluchari Silk
Baluchari silks are produced in a small village named Baluchar in West Bengal. These silks sarees are very classy. An instinctive feature of Baluchari silk is that they have scenes from mythology woven on its pallu.
Chanderi Silk
The history of Chanderi silk goes back to Vedic times. These silks are from Madhya Pradesh and are very lightweight. Chanderi silk sarees are also known as 'woven air' across India.
Final Words
These were the four natural types of silk found in Indi and the various types of silk sarees that are immensely popular among the women of the India subcontinent.
