No lady with a great taste in ethnic fashion can resist the charming appeal of a saree, an iconic traditional ensemble symbolising grace and elegance. This glorious costume is as diverse as India, the country it originates from, with a distinct type of saree being the specialty of each different region. Among the array of popular Indian sarees online, Muga silk sarees are truly a class apart! However, not many people are aware of this unique type of silk saree that is endemic to Assam, India.
Here is everything you need to know about this spectacular ethnic wonder!
What is Muga Silk?
One of the rarest and most expensive forms of silk, Muga Silk is exclusively produced in the North East Indian state of Assam and nowhere else in the world! It is completely natural and organic and boasts super-resilient fibers that make sarees, salwar kameez, and other ethnic wear crafted from this silk last in a superior condition for decades. In Assamese language, the meaning of the word ‘Muga’ is yellow, from which the fabric derives its name. Its iridescent golden yellow hue is what sets this silk apart from all the other variants in existence!
The Process of Weaving a Muga Silk Saree
Primarily produced by the indigineous Garo community of Assam, Muga silk is made from the semi-cultivated silkworm AntheraeaAssamensis that feeds on the ‘Soalu’ and ‘Som’ plants native to the state. To generate around 400 grams of Muga Silk in a single attempt, a sericulturist farmer needs approximately one acre of land. While 1,000 cocoons can produce up to 125 grams of this silk, a minimum of 1,000 grams of it goes into the making of a Muga Silk saree! The entire process of weaving this saree from rearing the silkworm to getting the final product takes about two months.
Designs and Motifs
The Muga Silk saree depicts exquisite traditional motifs on the fabric such as pigeons, Jappi (an Assamese hat), Miri GosButta (a miniature tree pattern), etc. that will captivate you with their intricacy! Usually geometrical in shape, these motifs have been a classic feature of these premium sarees for several years, with thread and zari work being the most commonly seen design techniques incorporated on this one-of-a-kind fabric.
Varieties of the Muga silk saree
One of the most important varieties of the Muga silk saree is the ‘Mekhela Chador’ – the two-piece saree that happens to be the traditional costume of the local women of Assam. Apart from this, the five-yard saree made from this material is also quite famous.
The Significance of an Authentic Muga Silk Saree
The Muga Silk fabric has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India, which ensures that these sarees are only manufactured using the highest quality and authentic Muga silk of Assam. As this is rather an exclusive ethnic outfit, the demand for it is also niche.
So, this is all you need to know about the ethereal Muga silk sarees! Along with the saree, you can also shop for a designer blouse made of this unique fabric online.
