By Syed Zarir Hussain, IANS
Guwahati : The shimmering golden Muga silk that is exclusive to Assam is now a brand, with the yarn officially accorded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) status.
Muga, considered a cultural heritage of Assam, has become the first product from the state to receive GI status from the GI Registry in Chennai.
“The GI tag for Muga silk produced here is a milestone and would go a long way in preserving its quality and reputation worldwide,” Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told IANS.
GI is a sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation – the protections are broadly comparable to the ‘World Heritage’ status.
India passed the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999 with a view to providing for registration and better protection of GIs relating to goods.
“As an economic benefit, getting the GI for Muga silk would act as an authenticity or quality mark and help in enhancing export markets and revenues,” the chief minister said.
“The next on line for us would be to get GI certification for Assam tea and other indigenous products.”
The golden yellow Muga is the pride of Assam with the yarn considered the most expensive of silks, intrinsically woven into the cultural traditions of the state.
It is produced by the muga silkworm (Antheraea assama), a caterpillar that feeds on certain aromatic leaves and is reared on trees.
The vibrant saris and mekhala-chadars (a form of two-piece saris) are the traditional items made from high valued muga silk. In recent times, fashion designers have found exciting prospects in using Muga silk for developing new products and designs.
With the introduction of improved technology for processing Muga fabric, it has become comfortable to wear Muga dresses in both summer and winter. This quality has helped entrepreneurs go for production of various dresses for all seasons.
An echo-friendly textile product, the shine of Muga increases with every wash and hence its uniqueness.
Among the major attributes of this precious silk are absorption of ultra violet radiations up to 85 percent, besides retaining its original colour, hardness and other qualities up to temperature 200 C.
Muga is made of proteins secreted in the fluid state by the silkworm. These silkworms feed on the selected food plants and spin cocoons as a protective shell to perpetuate their life. The silkworm has four stages in its lifecycle – egg, caterpillar, pupa and moth.
Man interferes in this lifecycle at the cocoon stage to obtain the silk, which is used for weaving the dream fabric.