Muga silk

Muga silk
Geographical indication
Muga silk mekhalas with jaapi
Muga silk mekhala and chador with jaapi
DescriptionWild Silk from Assam with a yellowish golden tint
TypeHandicraft
AreaAssam
CountryIndia
Registered2007
MaterialSilk

Muga silk is a variety of wild silk geographically tagged[1] to the state of Assam in India. The silk is known for its extreme durability and has a natural yellowish-golden tint[2] with a shimmering, glossy texture.[3] It was previously reserved for the use of royalty.[4][failed verification] Muga is one of the three major types of indigenous wild silks produced in Assam, and is a key variety of Assam silk renowned for its natural golden color[5] and durability.


In the Brahmaputra Valley, the larvae of the Assam silkmoth feed on aromatic Som (Machilus bombycina) and Sualu (Litsea polyantha) leaves. Muga silk can be dyed after bleaching. This silk can be hand-washed with its lustre increasing after every wash.[6] Muga silk, like other Assam silks, is used in products like saris, mekhalas and chadors.[2]

  1. ^ "GI Registry India". Statewise Registration Details of GI Applications. Intellectual property India. Archived from the original on 26 August 2013. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Muga Silk". Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  3. ^ Hyde, Nina (1984). "The Queen of Textiles". National Geographic. 165 (1): 14.
  4. ^ "Non-wood products from organisms associated with temperate broad-leaved trees". Food and Agriculture Organization. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  5. ^ "Due to its golden nature, it has now come to be known as the Golden Silk of Assam as it is found only in the state" https://www.iiad.edu.in/the-circle/muga-silk-weaving-golden-dreams/
  6. ^ "CMER&TI". CMER&TI. Archived from the original on 12 December 2015. Retrieved 31 January 2016.