What is Tasar Silk?

About Tasar Silk:

• It is a type of wild silk, which is made from silkwormsthat feed on plants like Asan and Arjun.
• People from different parts of India call it tusaar, tusser, tushar, tusa, tassore, and tasar etc.
• Producers:

o Globally, it is produced in China, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.

o India is the second-largest producer of tussar silk and the exclusive producer of Indian tussar (also known as tropical tussar), which is largely tended to by tribals. 

o In India, it is primarily produced in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chattisgarh. Currently, Jharkhand is one of the largest producers. 

Features:

o It is famous and valued for its natural golden color. The silk can also be found in shades of brown, cream, and orange.

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• The color is caused by the production process due to the presence of carotenoids in the silk.

o It is known for its distinctive texture, which is often described as being ‘rough’ or ‘crinkly.’

• This is due to the fact that the fibers of tasar silk are shorter than those of other silks, such as mulberry silk.
• As a result, tasar silk fabrics are less smooth and have a more uneven surface.

o Tasar silk fabrics have a characteristic weave that is different from other types of silk.

• The threads of tasar silk are often thicker than those of other silks, and they are woven in a way that creates a ‘checkerboard’ pattern. 

o It is lightweight yet surprisingly strong, with a luxuriously soft feel often compared to that of cashmere or velvet. 

o It does not retain moisture, and this quality makes it a delight to wear in warmer climates of the world. 

o Tasar silk is more porous, which makes it more wearable.

Q1: What is weaving?

Weaving is the production of fabric by interlacing two sets of yarns so that they cross each other, normally at right angles, usually accomplished with a hand- or power-operated loom.

Source:‘khand’s in R-Day parade showcases skill of tribal women in Tasar silk production