Arun Yarns

Silk and Its Various Types

Silk: The Queen of Textiles

Silk has long been associated with luxury, elegance, class, and comfort.

A natural protein fibre, silk is composed mainly of fibroin and is produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. The most well-known variety comes from the mulberry silkworm, whose shimmering appearance is due to the triangular prism-like structure of silk fibres, which refracts light at different angles, creating a beautiful interplay of colours.

A Historical Perspective

The origins of silk trace back to 3000 BC, when Empress Hsi Ling Shi, wife of Emperor Huang Ti (the Yellow Emperor), is said to have discovered silk accidentally. As the story goes, a silk cocoon fell into her tea, and as it unravelled, she became fascinated with the fine threads. Her curiosity led to the cultivation of silkworms, the invention of the reel and loom, and the development of sericulture.

Originally reserved for Chinese emperors and nobility, silk gradually spread across China and Asia, eventually reaching different parts of the world through trade routes like the Silk Road.

Silk in India

In India, silk is popularly known as Resham in the north and east and Pattu in the south. The country is the second-largest producer of silk after China and the largest consumer globally. Traditional silk sarees hold deep cultural significance, especially in Assam and South India, where they are worn during weddings and auspicious occasions.

Ramanagara, located 50 km from Bangalore, is often referred to as the "Silk City" of India, playing a major role in Karnataka’s silk production. Some of India's most celebrated silk-producing regions include Kanchipuram, Pochampally, Dharmavaram, Mysore, Arani, Banaras, Bhagalpur, and Murshidabad.

Silk finds applications in clothing, home décor, and even medical uses due to its unique properties.

 

Types of Silk

There are five major types of silk of commercial importance, each obtained from different species of silkworms that feed on various food plants:

1. Mulberry Silk – The most widely produced and refined silk, known for its superior quality.
2. Oak Tasar & Tropical Tasar Silk – Coarser and less lustrous, often used in furnishings and indigenous textiles.
3. Muga Silk – A golden-yellow silk exclusive to Assam, known for its durability and sheen.
4. Eri Silk – Also called Endi or Errandi silk, this variety is spun rather than reeled, making it warmer and more absorbent.

All non-mulberry silk varieties are collectively referred to as Vanya Silks in India. The country holds a unique distinction in producing all these commercial varieties of silk, making it a diverse and rich hub for silk craftsmanship.