MANCHESTER OF THE EAST : SUALKUCHI

Sualkuchi or Soalkuchi is situated in the bank of Mighty River Brahmaputra and it is about 35Km from Guwahati , approx 45 min Journey from Guwahati through car.
Sualkuchi is the textile center of Assam, with large number of cottage handloom industries for which it is also know as "Manchestar of the East".
Sualkuchi is famous for producing Assam Silk or Muga or Golden Thread. Muga Silk is obtained from a a species called silkworm that is only found in this part of India only and nowhere in the world can you find this species. It is the one of the cosliest garment in India.








Golden Colour of Muga is unique, there is hardly any fabric in the world which has a natural shade of gold, the fabric is also glossy. Muga fabric can be hand washed and with each wash the luster or shine of the fabric increases.The most interesting thing is the durability of the fabric, it is the most durable amongst all silks. Some of the Muga clothing last for more than 50 years and very often Muga Silk clothing outlives the owner too. It an be used for furnishing materials and as decorative items besides dress materials.





Muga Silk is a must have for every Assamese bride in Assam, the bridal mekhla chaddar is a prized possession with most girls from Assam. A mekhla is a cross between a sarong and a lungi and the chadar is worn with a special crisscross pleat down the front to give it the elegance required to show off the exquisite weaves that typify Assamese creations. Some additional qualities of Muga Silk is it can retain its original colour, hardness and other qualities up to 200 degree Celsius, highest tensile strength among all the natural fibers and it can absorb UV ray upto 85.08 %.

Models displaying Muga Fabrics :





Displaying of Muga fabrics by Fashion Designers of Assam in Bangkok :








Every household in Sualkuchi is involved in Silk Trade. Considering that it takes two months to weave a saree and that it takes 1,000 cocoons to yield 125 gm of silk and that it takes about 725 gm to 1,000 gm for a saree, one can figure out why these creations are so expensive.
The traditional colours like red, green and black provide a dramatic effect against the golden colour of the Muga fabric. The weavers have extended them to include colours like yellow, green, blue, beige, silver, coppery pink, brown and but the motifs remain traditional. The designs-woven or embroidered -show an amazing variety: trees, creepers, leaves, flowers, peacocks, birds and animals in stylised forms. Add to these the ethnic yet very modern geometric tribal motifs of the
North-East states of India results in an unparalleled creation.Wedding sarees are adorned with gold and silver thread work. Looms are narrow, hence, the borders are woven separately and then stitched on, which is another facet special to the Assamese Muga saree. This also makes the saree heavy, formal, rich and exquisite. It is said that, Muga silk was patronised only by the Royalty and common people were forbidden from wearing it.