Bhagalpur: The Silk City of India
Nestled in Bihar, Bhagalpur has earned the title of the Silk City of India for its centuries-old tradition of silk weaving, particularly Tussar silk. Known for its luxurious fabric, the city is an epicenter of India’s handloom industry.
Bhagalpur’s connection to silk production in India dates back over 200 years. The craft flourished during the Mughal era, gaining popularity for its unique texture, natural sheen, and fine craftsmanship.
Rural women often engage in extracting silk from cocoons, a labor-intensive but crucial step.
Weavers use both vegetable dyes and modern pigments to achieve vibrant colors.
The silk yarn is arranged on handlooms to create Bhagalpuri sarees, scarves, dupattas, and more—each piece taking days to complete.
The silk trade in Bhagalpur supports over 30,000 workers, from spinners and dyers to weavers and traders. The region is a key player in India’s textile exports, supplying to the USA, UK, France, and Japan.
Located near the Ganga River and adjacent to forest-rich districts, Bhagalpur benefits from:
Younger generations are turning away from silk weaving due to low income and lack of opportunity.
Most artisans still rely on manual handlooms and lack access to modern tools and facilities.
Without direct market access, many weavers are underpaid despite high retail prices of silk products.
Cheaper machine-made alternatives are flooding the market, threatening traditional silk businesses.
Provides funding and training for skill development and technology upgrades.
Aims to bring weavers, manufacturers, and exporters under one umbrella to improve efficiency.
Bhagalpuri silk’s GI tag helps in protecting the authenticity and boosting global recognition.
Artisans now sell directly via platforms like Amazon Karigar, Flipkart Samarth, and their own websites.
Bhagalpur is emerging as a leader in eco-conscious textile production. Many brands promote:
Introducing vocational education and offering financial incentives can bring in the younger generation.
Modern designs, digital marketing, and global collaborations can rejuvenate the Bhagalpuri identity.
By cutting out middlemen, weavers can earn better profits and build long-term customer relationships.
Through fashion shows, international expos, and trade missions, Bhagalpuri silk can gain a stronger global foothold.
Bhagalpur is more than just a geographical location—it is a living symbol of India’s textile legacy. As the Silk City of India, it represents resilience, creativity, and the untold stories of thousands of artisans whose threads weave history and hope into every fabric.
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