Assam — The Silk State of India
Assam is the only state in the world that produces all four types of silk: Muga, Eri, Pat (Mulberry), and Tussar. It accounts for approximately 70% of India's total silk production.
The three main silk types — exam facts
1. Muga Silk (Golden Silk)
- Produced only in Assam — endemic to Assam
- Silkworm: Antheraea assamensis
- Host plant: Som (Machilus bombycina) and Soalu trees
- Colour: Natural golden yellow — does not fade with washing
- Known as the "Golden fibre of Assam"
- Has Geographical Indication (GI) tag
2. Eri Silk (Endi / Ahimsa Silk)
- Called Ahimsa silk because the moth escapes before reeling
- Silkworm: Samia cynthia ricini
- Host plant: Castor (Ricinus communis)
- Produced mainly in Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Nagaland
- Used for making traditional Assamese garments like Endi shawl
3. Pat (Mulberry) Silk
- Most commercially produced silk in Assam
- Silkworm: Bombyx mori
- Host plant: Mulberry (Morus alba)
- Produced in Sualkuchi — the "Manchester of the East"
Sualkuchi — The Silk Town
Sualkuchi in Kamrup district is India's largest silk weaving village. It is often called the "Manchester of Assam" or the "silk village of Assam". The Kamakhya silk saree is famous worldwide.
MCQ-ready summary
- Silk unique to Assam: Muga
- Silk with GI tag from Assam: Muga Silk
- Ahimsa silk: Eri
- Assam's share of India silk: ~70%
- Silk weaving capital: Sualkuchi, Kamrup