Silk tales of Assam

Author: Lily Shanker
Date: 2019-12-04

Share using:



Sualkuchi

Sualkuchi, situated about 35 km northwest of Guwahati, is known as the silk village, where life revolves around the never-ending music emanating from at least five looms per house at over 4,000 households.  The weavers have been churning out exotic indigenous silks for centuries- the silvery-creamy paat and the warm-as-wool eri or endi apart from muga and the rare mejankori (from Litsea citrate). 


 
The epic Mahabharata mentions the swarnakidai vastra or golden attire of Bhagadatta, a king of ancient Assam.  Another literature mentions Assam king Bhaskaravarman gifting it to Chinese chronicler Hieun Tsa during his visit to India.



Once exclusive to only royalty, Muga and paat are now available to everybody.  With time, these silks have gone beyond the traditional three-piece riha-mekhela-sador (women's wear) and kurta to become designer wear, utility items, as well as kimonos popular in Japan.  
Sualkuchi is a popular tourist destination.  The best time to visit is October to Tarch.



Sualkuchi is less than an hour's drive from Guwahati, but for a tourist, a more exciting way of reaching the place is by boat or cruise.  

Photo credit: Deepraj and Jugal Bharali


No Comments

Trending Blogs

Explore Activities
General Read More
Food of Sikkim
Explore Activities
Leisure Read More
Know the best places to visit in North east India: Meghalaya and more
Explore Activities
Adventure Rush Read More
Trekking in the lost kingdom of Mustang

Latest Blogs

Latest Blogs
Adventure Rush Read More
Laitlum & Smit Trek
Latest Blogs
Leisure Read More
8 incredible adventure trips you need to plan in Northeast India this summer 2024
Latest Blogs
Adventure Rush Read More
Ride on the Wild Side: 5 Wildlife Safari’s in North East India that will burn out your Film Roll
Latest Blogs
Adventure Rush Read More
7 interesting places you might not find in your usual Darjeeling itinerary
A call to all travel junkies
Share your amazing travel stories
&
inspire someone today!
Become a TOURGENIE contributor
Write for our blog
Want to explore more Activities?
Explore Activities
Trek to Goecha La
Trek to Goecha La
11 Days 10 Nights
Explore Activities
Ziro Music Festival
Ziro Music Festival
7 Days 6 Nights
Explore Activities
Lhuentshe Tshechu Festival Tour
Lhuentshe Tshechu Festival Tour
16 Days 15 Nights
PARTNERS
ADDRESS:
  • Near Co-Operative, Middle Sichey Gangtok, East Sikkim, India, 737101

    • booking@tourgenie.com
    • support@tourgenie.com