Silk

Context

• Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati researchers conducted extensive scientific field research on Eri and Muga Silk from a Design Management perspective.

Silk

• Silk is a natural fiber that consists of fibroin, which is the protein some insects secrete to make cocoons.
• Essentially, the fiber is the material these insects produce to make their cocoons and nests.

Sericulture

• Sericulture, the production of raw silk by means of raising caterpillars (larvae), particularly those of the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori).
• China is said to be the origin of sericulture. In India the cultivation dates back to 140 AD.

Types of Silk

• India produces all the four types of silk i.e.

1. Mulberry silk (91.7%);
2. Tasar silk (1.4%);
3. Eri silk (6.4%); and
4. Muga silk (.5%)

• Mulberry Silk –Mulberry silk is the softest and the most durable fabric.
• Eri Silk – Another name for eri silk is peace silk because its production does not include the killing of silkworms. It is heavier and more durable in comparison to mulberry silk.
• Tasar Silk – India and Japan produce this variety of silk. Green silkworms are the producer of Tasar silk.
• Spider Silk – It is the most expensive variety of silk. Manufacturers use spider silk to produce microscopes, bulletproof vests, etc.
• Muga Silk – The natives of Assam produce this variety of fabric using semi-domesticated muga silkworms.
• Sea Silk – Another name for sea silk is mussel silk since species of mussel of the Mediterranean Sea produce it.

Coan Silk – Silkworms, which feed on oak, pine, and juniper

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