HISTORY:

Silk, also known as “the queen of fibres”, owes its discovery to China. Although its exact origin is shrouded under the shadows of many tales, according to myths and legends that Empress Leizu (2600 BC) accidentally discovered the silk filament. While having tea in the garden, a cocoon fell into the hot liquid. As she attempted to pull it out, she caught hold of the strand which led to the fibre’s discovery and subsequently, its use for weaving.

INTRODUCTION:

Mulberry silk fabric is one of the most renowned and popular forms of Silk. India has the distinction of cultivating all the four commercially known varieties of silk, namely, Mulberry, Tussar, Eri and Muga. Of these, Mulberry and Tussar are the most popular among consumers.

Mulberry silk is made from the silkworms of the Bombyx mori moth. Mulberry silkworm is named so since it feeds on mulberry leaves. As a result of the mulberry leaf diet, the resulting silk is some of the finest available in the world. Pure white in colour and made up of individual long fibres, Mulberry silk is more refined than other types of silk.

The states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu lead in the production of Mulberry silk.

CARE FOR SILK:

Being an expensive fabric, Silk needs special care. Many users feel that silk has to be dry cleaned only. Contrary to this belief, Silk can also be hand wash at home however some precautions need to be taken. Silk becomes weak in water. Therefore, if silk is continuously kept in water it may erode and lose its shine and lustre.