Muga Silk
मुगा सिल्क
Muga silk is Assam's legendary golden silk, produced exclusively from the semi-wild silkworm Antheraea assamensis that feeds on som and sualu leaves in the forests of Assam.
What is Muga Silk?
Muga silk is Assam's legendary golden silk, produced exclusively from the semi-wild silkworm Antheraea assamensis that feeds on som and sualu leaves in the forests of Assam. GI-tagged and unique in the world, Muga silk has a naturally warm golden yellow colour that deepens and brightens with washing — unlike any other silk. The fabric has an extraordinary durability said to last a lifetime and beyond, with heirlooms documented surviving over a hundred years. Muga silk is central to Assamese cultural identity, worn at Bihu and weddings.
Best for
BihuWeddingsFestiveGiftingBridalDaily WearTECHNIQUE
How Muga Silk is Made
- 1
Semi-domesticated Muga silkworm cocoons are carefully harvested from forest trees
- 2
Cocoons are softened in warm water and reeled by hand to extract the long golden filament
- 3
Silk threads are hand-twisted and wound
- 4
Weaving is done on traditional frame looms by the Sualkuchi weaving community
- 5
Muga is woven in plain silk or combined with Pat silk and cotton for mixed weaves
Where Muga Silk is Made
Explore Muga Silk by city — curated products and local context
How to Identify Authentic Muga Silk
Key markers that distinguish genuine handcrafted pieces from machine-made imitations
- 01
Natural golden yellow colour that brightens with washing — dyed yellow imitation silks fade with washing
- 02
GI certification from the Central Silk Board or the Assam State Handloom and Textile Development Corporation
- 03
The silk has a warm, slightly grainy texture from the natural sericin coating — degummed imitations feel slicker
- 04
Burn test: Muga burns with the characteristic hair/protein smell and crushable ash of all natural silk
Related Craft Traditions
Pat Silk
पात सिल्क
Pat silk (also called Paat silk or Assam white silk) is produced from the domesticated mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori in Assam, yielding a bright white or cream silk with exceptional lustre and fineness.
Read guide →
Mekhela Chador
मेखेला चादोर
Mekhela Chador is the traditional two-piece garment of Assamese women — comprising a cylindrical lower garment (Mekhela) and an upper shawl-like drape (Chador) — woven in Muga silk, Pat silk, cotton, or combinations of these in traditional Assamese patterns.
Read guide →
Kanjivaram
कांजीवरम
Kanjivaram (Kanchipuram) silk sarees from Tamil Nadu are among India's most celebrated textiles, GI-tagged and synonymous with South Indian bridal tradition.
Read guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Muga Silk?
Muga silk is Assam's legendary golden silk, produced exclusively from the semi-wild silkworm Antheraea assamensis that feeds on som and sualu leaves in the forests of Assam. GI-tagged and unique in the world, Muga silk has a naturally warm golden yellow colour that deepens and brightens with washing — unlike any other silk. The fabric has an extraordinary durability said to last a lifetime and beyond, with heirlooms documented surviving over a hundred years. Muga silk is central to Assamese cultural identity, worn at Bihu and weddings.
How do I check if Muga Silk is authentic?
There are 4 key markers of authenticity: Natural golden yellow colour that brightens with washing — dyed yellow imitation silks fade with washing — GI certification from the Central Silk Board or the Assam State Handloom and Textile Development Corporation — The silk has a warm, slightly grainy texture from the natural sericin coating — degummed imitations feel slicker — Burn test: Muga burns with the characteristic hair/protein smell and crushable ash of all natural silk
Where does Muga Silk originate from?
Muga Silk originates from assam, specifically the cities of Guwahati. It carries a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, protecting the authentic craft tradition.
What is the price range for Muga Silk?
Muga Silk products range from ₹3,000 for simple everyday pieces to ₹80,000 for elaborate handcrafted garments. Bridal and heavily embellished pieces command premium prices, while casual kurtis and dupattas are available at accessible price points.
As an Amazon Associate, Barkha Boutique earns from qualifying purchases.