Muga Silk Sarees from Assam
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| Beige Pure Muga and Tussar Silk Mekhla Chadar |
Muga silk is one of the rarest fabrics in the country as well as the globe, and hails from the state of Assam. The reason for its popularity and uniqueness is the golden yellow hue of the yarn and the resulting garment. The name itself is symbolic in that it translates to ‘yellowish silk’. Among the most preferable uses of Muga silk are Muga silk sarees, although the traditional dresses of the Assamese diaspora is also made from this fabric. The fabric itself is so rare that it is also expensive in equal measures. The garments, specifically sarees, made from this fabric are usually meant for the upper echelons of the society.
Two of the major characteristics of Muga silk, besides its color, are its strength and longevity. The latter has even inspired a saying that “Muga silk outlives the wearer”. The golden hue of this fabric is said to increase in luster with age. Muga silk sarees can be given different looks by the simple task of ironing it or not, both of which are equally pleasing to the eye. There are practically no restrictions on the kind of embroidery that can be done on sarees made from this fabric as it is superbly resilient and has proven to be an aesthetically strong base. Moreover, there is no need for dyeing the saree although it absorbs most dyes very easily.
The Garo community of Assam is highly invested in the creation of this fabric. Post the weaving of the fabric, the Muga silk saree takes about a week to ten days to be woven. The traditional wedding attire of the Assamese bride i.e. the Mekhla Chador/ Sador, is made using Muga silk.
Besides sarees, Muga silk is used heavily in the making of ethnic kurtas for men, stoles and scarves, caps, hats and even upholstery.
Two of the major characteristics of Muga silk, besides its color, are its strength and longevity. The latter has even inspired a saying that “Muga silk outlives the wearer”. The golden hue of this fabric is said to increase in luster with age. Muga silk sarees can be given different looks by the simple task of ironing it or not, both of which are equally pleasing to the eye. There are practically no restrictions on the kind of embroidery that can be done on sarees made from this fabric as it is superbly resilient and has proven to be an aesthetically strong base. Moreover, there is no need for dyeing the saree although it absorbs most dyes very easily.
The Garo community of Assam is highly invested in the creation of this fabric. Post the weaving of the fabric, the Muga silk saree takes about a week to ten days to be woven. The traditional wedding attire of the Assamese bride i.e. the Mekhla Chador/ Sador, is made using Muga silk.
Besides sarees, Muga silk is used heavily in the making of ethnic kurtas for men, stoles and scarves, caps, hats and even upholstery.
