The Story of Indian Tussar

Tussar silk never goes out of style, when you want to keep it classic and casual. The unbleached, dull gold shine is a perfect base for printing, painting or embellishing the saris.

Tussar silk fibre is made of the protein secreted by the silkworm; its natural sheen, lightweight and affinity for dyes make it a great choice as a fabric.

Silks of India are classified based on the varieties of silkworms from which they are spun. What makes a Tussar silk unique is that it is indigenous, and comes from the Antheraea moths, which feed on the trees in the wild forests, and that's the reason why they are referred to as "wild silk".

Here’s a snapshot of the varieties of silks of India, and how a Tussar silk is different:

1. Mulberry silk -

The light yellow colored fine silk from the silkworm of the moth Domestic silk moth. Which feeds on the mulberry leaves. The Chinese were the pioneers to cultivate Mulberry silk and traded through their “silk route” which connected China to Rome.

2. Eri silk -

The creamy white silks from North East of India, where the silk is spun from open-ended cocoons. The silkworms feed on castor leaves, and the cocoons are made up of uneven fibres. So Eri silk is always spun and not reeled. Eri silk is called Ahimsa silk since the moths are allowed to emerge before the cocoons are spun into yarn.

3. Muga silk -

The golden-coloured silk from the silkworms which feed on the Som and Soalu plants, and a rare and expensive silk

4. Tussar Silk -

The copperish coloured coarse silk generated by the silkworms of the moth Antheraea mylitta which thrives on the trees of Asan and Arjun. The rearing of this silkworm is conducted on trees in the wild.

India was the place of the origin of tasar moth. China was home to Mulberry or Chinese silk, which has been mentioned as Cinapatta (Chinese Silk Bundle) in Chanakya’s Arthashastra.

While the generic term for silk in Sanskrit was kauseya, the term tasar is traced to the Sanskrit name, tasara, the weaver's shuttle, as referred to in Rig Veda. Silk fabric always has a special place in Indian textiles, and it is auspicious to be draped in one, especially during rituals.

Over the years, Tussar sarees have brought its patrons a rustic texture and a great drape. We are delighted to showcase a range of Tussar saris with a blend of kosa, silk, cotton, jute and linen, which are year-round winners!

With a gamut of earthy rustic colour palette and handcrafted techniques, this Tussar collection is an epitome of elegance.

Fabric Care: Silk becomes weak when soaked in water, and detergents erode its natural lustre. Dry cleaning is the best way to care of Tussar silk.