Muga silk
Topic: India, That Is Bharat: Names of India and Unity in Diversity · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 8 "Unity in Diversity, or 'Many in the One'"
Meaning
Muga silk is a naturally golden silk that is made only in Assam. It comes from the muga silkworm, which feeds on local trees. Its golden colour is natural, not dyed, and it becomes brighter with age and washing. It has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which means only silk from Assam may use the name. Muga is one of India's famous silk varieties, like the Banarasi, Kanjivaram, Paithani, Patan Patola and Mysore silks.
Example
Women in Assam wear the mekhela chador, a two-piece traditional dress, made of muga silk on special occasions such as Bihu and weddings. Sualkuchi, a weaving village near Guwahati, is a famous centre of muga weaving.
Don't confuse with
- Mysore silk: smooth mulberry silk from Karnataka. Muga comes from a different silkworm and is naturally golden.