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.
What is Pat Silk?
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. Unlike Muga's distinctive golden hue, Pat silk is valued for its brilliance and affinity for bright dyes, making it the preferred silk for colourful Assamese textiles and bridal Mekhela Chadors. The primary weaving centre for Pat silk is Sualkuchi, called the Manchester of Assam, where the entire town is engaged in silk production.
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How Pat Silk is Made
- 1
Mulberry silkworm cocoons are reeled on traditional wooden reeling machines to extract fine white filaments
- 2
Threads are plied and twisted to the desired thickness
- 3
Pat silk is woven on traditional frame looms at Sualkuchi
- 4
The natural whiteness of Pat silk is preserved or it is dyed in vibrant colours using reactive dyes
- 5
It is commonly combined with Muga for contrasting effect in Mekhela Chador
Where Pat Silk is Made
Explore Pat Silk by city — curated products and local context
How to Identify Authentic Pat Silk
Key markers that distinguish genuine handcrafted pieces from machine-made imitations
- 01
Pat silk has a bright white or cream colour with high natural lustre — artificial silk (rayon) has a different, cooler sheen
- 02
The fabric feels cool and smooth — Assam Pat silk has a characteristic crispness distinct from South Indian silks
- 03
Sualkuchi-woven Pat silk carries handloom certification from the Assam State Handloom Corporation
- 04
Burn test: pulls from the weave burn with hair-like smell and crushable ash — synthetic threads melt
Related Craft Traditions
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.
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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 →
Banarasi Weaving
बनारसी बुनाई
Banarasi silk brocade weaving from Varanasi is one of India's most celebrated and GI-tagged textile traditions, producing some of the finest silk sarees in the world.
Read guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pat Silk?
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. Unlike Muga's distinctive golden hue, Pat silk is valued for its brilliance and affinity for bright dyes, making it the preferred silk for colourful Assamese textiles and bridal Mekhela Chadors. The primary weaving centre for Pat silk is Sualkuchi, called the Manchester of Assam, where the entire town is engaged in silk production.
How do I check if Pat Silk is authentic?
There are 4 key markers of authenticity: Pat silk has a bright white or cream colour with high natural lustre — artificial silk (rayon) has a different, cooler sheen — The fabric feels cool and smooth — Assam Pat silk has a characteristic crispness distinct from South Indian silks — Sualkuchi-woven Pat silk carries handloom certification from the Assam State Handloom Corporation — Burn test: pulls from the weave burn with hair-like smell and crushable ash — synthetic threads melt
Where does Pat Silk originate from?
Pat Silk originates from assam, specifically the cities of Guwahati.
What is the price range for Pat Silk?
Pat Silk products range from ₹1,500 for simple everyday pieces to ₹30,000 for elaborate handcrafted garments. Bridal and heavily embellished pieces command premium prices, while casual kurtis and dupattas are available at accessible price points.
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