Know how Raghunathpur, Purulia become the manufacturing hub of Tussar Silk

If you’re also like me, you probably think "silk" is just that slippery, shiny fabric that makes you feel like a royal queen until it accidentally falls off your shoulder.

But if you ever encounter Tussar, your thoughts probably change forever.

Being the black sheep of the silk family, tussar was sometimes underestimated. 

But as proven in history, rebel kids always shine bright.

Tussar's story is not so different than that.

This one rebel silk has now transformed the whole fashion world.

Let’s delve deep to know more about this.

The history of Tussar started from the ancient hills.

During the time of the Mahabharata, this fabric was the go-to dress for the Hastinapur Kings and Queens for its elegance and extreme comfort.

From then onwards, Raghunathpur has carved out as one of the prominent tussar-production legacy in the Bengal belt.

This Tussar is often called ahimsa silk, because the cocoons are fed arjuna tree leaves and Asan tree leaves, then after the silk is formed from them, the silk material is collected without killing the worms.

When the moth vacates the cocon then only the silk material is collected by the silk farmers.

This silk collection process is the main reason why the tussar has an earthy yet silky texture.

The weaving process is also quite labour-intensive. Though the work is quite artistic, it takes hard labour, just like a runner sweats in a marathon.

The weaving alchemy is basically handled by the two tribal communities of Purulia. 

Whether it’s the "cut shuttle" technique or the creation of that legendary Ganga-Jamuna border, the main focus is always on texture. 

Weavers always keep in mind that the designs should not overshadow the texture of the saree, as it is the real USP of Raghunathpur Tussar.