The royal legacy of Bhagalpuri silk: Why it has earned the title ‘Queen of all Silks’.

If silk is the queen, then Bhagalpur has to be her kingdom. This city in the suburbs of Bihar has been named the Silk City in India. Known for its magnificent and grand look, this evergreen silk has been popular among celebrities and fashion designers across the globe. The prints may vary and evolve with time, but the fabric remains iconic. This legacy, passed down for years, has been given to generations by the weavers of the area.

India’s silk industry has a long history dating back to ancient times, and Bhagalpuri, aka Tussar silk sarees, can be found in the Vedic era. The textile really took off around the Mauryan era, seeing a rise again during the Mughal period. Bhagalpuri tussar was a highly sought-after textile exported abroad during the British Raj, where people from London to Paris used it for home furnishings and then in fashion.

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The enticing facts that make people fall in love with it are the fabric's lightness and allure. While Banarasi and Kanjeevaram are also known for their sheen appeal, they are quite heavy. On the other hand, Bhagalpur offers the same grandeur but with a comforting and lightweight essence, thus making it more in demand. And, cherry on top, it is environmentally friendly, as only a minimal number of silkworms are used to make the silk thread, which the weavers then bind the drapes with using their own unique technology.

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Yes. Bhagalpur is the oldest producer of silk in India and has much to offer. From Mughals to Persians, the city has enormous admirers who appreciated the weavers’ craftsmanship. The city is filled with royalty and tradition; the silk handlooms have been active for more than 100 years now. Even top fashion cities like Paris and Milan order silk threads and pieces from Bhagalpur on request.

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The production of Bhagalpur silk mainly involves three steps. It starts with purchasing cocoons, processing them, and then spinning the silk yarn. Dyeing comes next, where the silk textiles are coloured using vegetable extracts. The most demanded shades of Bhagalpur tussar are extracts of tealeaf, harsingar, lac, palash, katha, pomegranate, and turmeric. Fabric dyeing is also used, such as the powdered form of harda and beheda.

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These drapes are no less than artworks that represent the cultural legacy and the artistic vision of the area's weavers. The textile is used not just for fashion fits but also in creating curtains, shawls, and other items. The prevalence of Bhagalpuri silk has dramatically increased over the last 10 years. Much thanks to India's entertainment and fashion industries, who have worn this textile with pride and saved the existence of its artisans.