Kandhamal haldi
Bhagalpur silk is a traditional hand-woven textile from Bhagalpur, Bihar, India, which is known for its high-quality silk fabrics and sarees. This region is an important centre for the production of tussar, mulberry and eri silk. With a history dating back to ancient times, silk production in Bhagalpur is deeply rooted in Indian culture and heritage. The unique climate and craftsmanship of Bhagalpur contribute to the exceptional quality of the silk. It has been registered as a Geographical Indication (GI), which guarantees its authenticity and protects it from counterfeiting.
- Bhagalpur is known for producing tussar silk, mulberry and eri silk.
- The process of silk making includes cultivation of silk, processing of cocoons, spinning of yarn and weaving of fabrics.
- Unique techniques such as drying in the sun, special boiling of the cocoons, reeling of the hanks and kundi finishing improve the quality of the silk.
- The weavers in Bhagalpur blend silk with materials such as cotton, jute, linen, wool and polyester to make various products.
- Silk items from Bhagalpur include sarees, dress fabrics, shawls, dupattas, curtains, cushion covers and table linen.
- The silk industry in Bhagalpur dates back to the Vedic times when the region was known as Champa, a centre for tussar silk.
- Organisations such as the Bhagalpur Tussar Silk Development Samiti and the Central Silk Board support the weavers with training, welfare initiatives and marketing assistance.
- The demand for Bhagalpur silk is growing, but counterfeit products are a problem for everyone involved.
- GI registration protects the authenticity of Bhagalpur silk and ensures that its heritage is preserved.