Overview
Tussar silk or ‘Kosa silk’ is one of the most popular varieties of silk. It has earned a special place among Indian handlooms because of its beautiful golden and natural hues. The fabric has a beautiful shine and rich texture which gives the fabric its uniqueness and makes it stand out. These sarees are narratives of age-old cultural legacy. It speaks of the region’s tradition, culture and artistry. Tussar is sustainable and environment friendly. It has a quite low carbon footprint. And hence, gets the name ‘Queen of Silks.’
The Origin of Tussar Silk
Tussar silk, usually produced from wild silk moths is an environment friendly green fabric. The Tussar producing moths are usually found in the forests of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. The process of Tussar silk production takes time and involves skilled artistry, which also adds to the fabric’s uniqueness.
Crafting Tussar: A Heritage in the making
Well, the Tussar silk production process is quite cumbersome, labour intensive and requires great precision. Silk cocoons are harvested in the forests. Then, the threads are extracted. These threads are spun into yarn. After this, comes the process of dyeing the threads to desired colour. And then the process of weaving is done. The fabric is woven on handlooms by skilled artisans carefully , and with great dedication in order to achieve great precision. The woven designs comprise of elaborate and detailed patterns and motifs which are a reflection of the rich culture and heritage of the region.
A masterpiece, Tussar silk production spans from days to weeks. Tussar has a slightly rough to touch texture with a natural golden sheen and muted tones. This fabric is crafted so as to yield elegant and graceful designs. The subtle sheen adds to the luxurious feel of the garment whereas muted tones, beautifully impart grace and sophistication. The process of production is quite labour-intensive yet the craftsmen take immense pride in their work of preserving an ancient art of weaving.
Characteristics
Tussar is a modern woman’s pride that delivers luxury and sophistion in just one fabric. It shines amongst all handlooms for its distinctive features. The luxuriously beautiful golden sheen adds glory to the fabric. It is lightweight and very breathable which makes it best suited for hot and humid climates. One can also wear it in cool climates with appropriate layering. The coarse texture is Tussar’s distinguishing feature which further adds to its uniqueness.
Tussar silk sarees are primarily available in muted and earthy tones such as beige, honey and cream. The sarees often feature earthy tones like beige, honey, and cream. However, artisans have incorporated modern dyeing techniques in order to add vibrant colours. This makes the fabric versatile and better suited for the modern women’s contemporary tastes. Also, Tussar sometimes showcases beautiful detailed designs and motifs. which usually take inspiration from natural elements like flowers, leaves, and tribal art. This further adds depth and character to the fabric.
The Versatile Tussar: A Fabric for Every Occasion
Tussar silk is a versatile fabric. Though, it is mostly available in earthy muted tones and neutral colours, vibrant hues have popped in with the use of modern dyeing techniques. This fabric thus doesn’t just go well for formal occasions, it is also now worn during festivals, weddings and, pooja rituals. You just need to accessorise right and according to the occasion and your Tussar will only make you proud. One saree for all occasions!
This fabric is so revered and treasured that in many regions families pass it through generations as family heirloom. Down through generations, it carries with it a family legacy, cherished memories and so many stories from the past that further adds emotional value to the fabric.
Modern Appeal
Tussar silk isn’t just for sarees. as handloom industry is going through a revival these days, designers are experimenting with this fabric to create contemporary outfits. From sarees and dupattas to modern stoles, scarves and dresses a Tussar can cater to all. It hence, very special in modern fashion.
Tussar is evergreen and very versatile. Since it is durable, people can style it in many ways- Casual or formal. The modern woman proudly drapes and flaunts Tussar as it is comfortable, elegant and can be styled in a nunber of ways.
Challenges Faced by Tussar Silk Weavers
Tussar silk is widely popular these days. It is a favourite among the contemporary women. Despite of the increasing popularity , Tussar production is facing challenges. One reason is the declining number of forests. It has affected the availability of authentic Tussar. Also, the competition from its synthetic counterparts poses a threat to the traditional weave.`
Artisans often struggle to get fair wages for their work. However, many organisations have come forward to promote tussar silk and support weavers. Governments and NGOs are working to ensure sustainable production and fair trade practices. Consumers can also play a role by choosing authentic tussar silk sarees and supporting local artisans.
How to Take Care of Your Tussar Silk Sarees
Tussar is a beautiful fabric and it’s a must-have for your wardrobe. Owning a Tussar? You need to take special care of the fabric. It’s delicate and hence needs special love and extra care. Follow these simple steps:
- In order to avoid damage always dry clean your tussar silk sarees.
- Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- To protect them from dust and moisture, wrap them in muslin cloth. This helps prevent moisture from the air outside affecting the fabric.
- Don’t use harsh detergents as it can damage the fabric.
Proper care will help keep your evergreen piece of heritage last for generations.
Pro Shopping Tips
Always keep the following in mind while shopping for Tussar silk in order to ensure authenticity:
- The texture: If you wish to buy genuine Tussar, first look for the texture of the fabric. Genuine Tussar is rich in texture but slightly rough to touch.
- Patterns: Always buy handwoven pieces. Genuine Tussar silk has elaborate, intricate patterns with loose threads on the reverse side.
- Verify the source: Always make your purchase from authentic sources, reputed weavers and certified stores.
- Classic Designs: Always invest in classic handloom designs as they are evergreen
By following these tips, you can own a genuine piece of India’s golden heritage.
The Future of Tussar Silk
Tussar silk is and is likely to remain a designer’s favourity. It’s versatility, elegance and grace will continue to be an attention grabber for years to come. Tussar is evergreen and sustainable and with more and more people looking for sustainable fashion, Tussar has a promising future ahead.
By owning tussar silk sarees, you not only embrace tradition but also contribute to the revival of Indian handlooms. This fabric’s timeless appeal ensures that it will remain a cherished part of our heritage.
Miles to go!
Tussar is a rich cultural legacy. Beautiful, luxurious and elegant, women of all ages love it and flaunt it with immense pride. Owning a Tussar means owning a piece of India’s rich heritage and ancient craftsmanship of Indian artisans. Let’s embrace this Golden treasure.
