Guwahati: Assam is famous for its silk heritage, specifically Muga and Eri silks representing the state's cultural and economic importance. Muga silk, also known as 'Golden Silk,' is exclusive to Assam and enjoys a GI tag, thereby restricting production to the state. Though an annual production of - 1,64,240 kg of Muga silk fulfils 86 per cent of demand, the deficit still stands at 25,560 kg. Muga cultivation extends across districts like Kamrup, Sibsagar, and Goalpara but still retains large amounts of uncultivated government sericulture land above 1,000 hectares.
On the other hand, Eri silk, known globally as 'Vegan Silk,' has reached an all-new height with the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, which confirms its safety and sustainability. It increases the value of Eri in the sustainable fashion markets and underlines its non-violent and eco-friendly production. Mass-produced in Assam, Eri silk is also a GI product that speaks volumes about the legacy of textiles in the state.
Business North East (BNE) interviewed Gautam Daniel Roy Chawdhury, a professor who shared his fascinating journey behind his silk venture 'Indigenous Weaves' aka 'I-Weave' Silk Handloom, a business dedicated to preserving and promoting Assam’s silk industry.
I-Weave stands out for its focus on Muga and Eri, driven by a clear vision to create innovative products from these unique materials, including Eri silk blankets and soaps.
Speaking of his silk business, Gautam Daniel Roy shared the origins of I-Weave conceived from a deep-rooted passion for Assam’s silk heritage. After recognizing the untapped potential of Assam’s silk industry, Gautam Daniel Roy set out to give it a global platform.
"I have always been passionate about Assam's silk heritage and saw an incredible opportunity to modernize and promote this rich tradition globally," the engineer remarked. His commitment to preserving the traditional weaving techniques while introducing modern products has placed I-Weave at the forefront of Assam’s silk industry.
Assam plays a significant role in the country’s silk production. The state boasts over 12.83 lakh weavers and 12.60 lakh handlooms and produces around 3,000 metric tons (MT) of Eri silk and 120 MT of Muga silk annually. Despite these impressive numbers, the industry faces several challenges, from outdated techniques to limited market access.
"The silk industry in Assam is incredibly resourceful, but it faces a need for modernization and better market access," Gautam Daniel Roy Chawdhury said and added, "We need to strike a balance between preserving our traditions and adapting to modern market demands."
What sets 'I-Weave' apart is that the brand emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendly practices, especially with Eri silk. "Our focus on Eri silk is not only about preserving tradition but also about ensuring our production practices are ethical and sustainable. This aligns with the growing global demand for eco-friendly products," he further said.
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Gautam Daniel Roy Chawdhury also expressed his enthusiasm for growing I-Weave's product line, which includes investigating innovations such as Eri silk blankets and soaps. "We are exploring new avenues like Eri silk blankets and soaps, which will further showcase the versatility and richness of Assam's silk," he said.
I-Weave's position in the domestic and international markets will be strengthened as it focuses on high-quality production, sustainability, and preserving Assam's silk history.
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