Meghalaya's indigenous textile, Ryndia Silk, handspun, handwoven and dyed using organic materials, officially received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag earlier this month. Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, accentuated the meaning of this achievement during the Bharat Tex 2025 Global Textiles Expo held in New Delhi, where the Department of Textiles was also discussed with a special award under the Textiles Sustainability Awards by the Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI).
“Ryndia Silk is an intangible heritage of the people of Meghalaya,” said Kharkongor, underlining the fabric’s ethical and sustainable production process. Popularly known as "Peace Silk," Ryndia is unique for its non-violent method of silk extraction, which preserves the life of silkworms.
Originating from Umden in Ri-Bhoi district—declared the state’s first Eri Silk Village in 2021—Ryndia boasts a rich history, with references dating back to 18th- and 19th-century British-era gazetteers. The GI application was meticulously prepared over 16 months by the Department of Textiles following stakeholder consultations, producer organisation formations, and documentation of the silk’s cultural and historical significance.
The fabric’s production involves indigenous techniques, from rearing silkworms on castor and local leaves to natural dyeing with turmeric, onion skins, and tree bark and weaving on floor looms unique to the Khasi community. “From farm to fibre, fibre to fabric, and fabric to fashion—everything is done locally by the community, especially women,” noted Kharkongor.
With the GI tag, Ryndia silk gains authenticity and traceability, empowering local producers and offering consumers a tangible piece of Meghalaya’s cultural heritage. “Tourists will want to take back Ryndia as a cultural souvenir, just as they do with Banarasi sarees or Assam’s Muga silk,” said the Principal Secretary, who highlighted its global footprint.
Kharkongor stated that Ryndia Silk had already made appearances at international events in Milan, Paris, and Turkey even before GI certification. “It’s a high-value, low-volume product that aligns with slow fashion principles,” remarked Kharkongor.
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"A decade ago, Ryndia was facing decline. But community efforts and institutional support have fuelled its revival. People used to prefer mulberry silk, but today they wear Ryndia with pride,” said the government official.
Beyond aesthetics and tradition, Ryndia Silk contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting climate action, women’s economic empowerment and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Meghalaya’s textiles continue to gain international recognition, with product displays at the Dubai Expo, Silk in Lyon (France), G20 Craft Bazaar (Italy), and the Bharat Tex Global Expo 2024. Meanwhile, the GI status recognised Meghalaya's outstanding energies in reviving textile heritage and would likely boost trade, tourism, and cultural pride across the state. “The GI tag is not just a recognition—it’s a revival," said Kharkongor.
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