Muga is one of the finest silks flaunted proudly by Assamese people in addition to paat, eri and tussar silks

Let us know about 10 interesting facts of Muga on the occasion of National Handloom Day-

1. Muga silk is one of the most expensive and rarest silks in the world and is found only in Assam

2. Due to its low availability as well as having an appearance of yellowish golden hue along with a pleasant glaze, it is known as the Golden Silk of Assam

3. The silk is obtained from the cocoons of muga silkworm whose scientific name is Antheraea assamensis

4. According to reports, Muga silk has the highest tensile strength than any other natural silk

5. One of the significant aspects of Muga silk is that it has extreme durability and is therefore a heirloom piece in every Assamese wardrobe

6. The Muga silk is usually worn in very special occasions like wedding of oneself, children’s wedding etc and is proudly handed down from generation to generation as a special gift

7. Muga silk was recognized as a protected geographical indication (GI) in 2007, and was granted a GI logo for trademark purposes in 2014. The logo has been registered with the Assam Science Technology and Environment Council

8. It takes about 1000 cocoons to produce 125 grams of silk. One of the biggest advantage of Muga silk is that it absorbs moisture nicely and thereby it becomes more lustrous on being handwashed

9. The Ahom rulers patronized Muga silk and wore it besides gifting to distinguished visitors and was also a chief product of export

10. While Muga silk is mostly worn in the form of Mekhela Sadors by women and traditional shirts by men, it is now also being made in the form of customized kurtis, tops by weavers of Assam

Northeast Now

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