Bhagalpuri Silk of Bihar

Bhagalpuri silk is one of the apt representations of the rich heritage of Indian handlooms. It's unique technique, style and design of weaving make it truly mesmerizing.

bhagalpuri silk

One of the traditional textiles of India is Bhagalpuri silk, that comes from the historical town of Bhagalpur in the southern bank of River Ganga in Bihar. This town is also known as the “Silk City” of India, because of the production of its world-famous silk known as Tussar Silk or Bhagalpuri silk, from which the immensely popular Bhagalpuri sarees are made.

The origin of the Bhagalpuri sarees can be traced back to the Vedic age, but it was during the Mauryan age, that this craft truly flourished and caught the attention of everyone. The skills to manufacture the Bhagalpuri Silk was handed down to subsequent generations, progressively increasing the demand for this artwork.

Bhagalpuri silk is made from cocoons of Antheraea paphia silkworms. This species, also known as Vanya silkworm is native to India. The finest texture of Silk springing out from the essence of nature and known as the ‘Queen of all fabrics’, Bhagalpuri Silk is very well known for its unique and striking resilience and superior quality.

they have beautiful embroideries and motifs all over them such as Kantha embroidery, Shibori embroidery, floral patterns, designs of temples etc.

One of the most remarkable qualities of Bhagalpuri silk is its eco-friendly process. Thus it is also referred to as “peace silk” because its production style is very different from the production of all other varieties of silk. The production of Bhagalpuri silk or Tussar silk does not promote animal cruelty since only a finite number of worms are used for silk production.

Due to the fabric being more porous than other silk types, it proves to be an excellent choice for the summer season. It gives its wearer a rich and royal outlook and retains the enchanting designs and motifs imprinted in them. Bhagalpur is home to almost 35 thousand skilled and experienced craftsmen and to about 25 thousand looms, competing to the attention and high demand of these sarees. Cities such as Paris and London, known as fashion capitals, have also shown an interest in this fabric, increasing global demand for this embroidered fabric. Generations of people have recognized the magical spirit of this artwork, which managed to entice and fascinate most people for hundreds of years.