Elegance of Champa silk, a variant of tussar silk, is meticulously cultivated in the heartlands of Chhattisgarh. Encompassing regions like Raigarh, Bilaspur, and Janjgir-Champa. With its enchanting hues of brown, cream, and subdued gold, Champa silk boasts a unique allure. However, it is not just limited to Chhattisgarh; Bhagalpur in Bihar also stands as a prominent hub for tussar silk production, housing a thriving community of over thirty thousand dyers, spinners, and weavers.
A Legacy Woven in Silk: Tracing India’s Silk Weaving Heritage – Elegance of Champa Silk
The art of silk weaving in India traces its roots back to the Vedic period, spanning from 1750 to 500 BCE. Tussar silk, a cherished textile, has adorned the eastern and northeastern parts of India since the ninth century CE. This luxurious fabric, derived from the wild tussar worm, Antheraea mylitta, possesses a coarser texture and offers more warmth compared to mulberry silk, which originates from the domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori. The tussar cocoon, known as “kosa fal” in the Chhattisgarhi language, yields the precious threads that weave the fabric referred to as “kosa silk.”
Champa’s Prized Possession: The Enigmatic Kosa Silk
Champa’s kosa silk has earned international acclaim for its exceptional quality, distinguished by its intriguingly uneven textures and vibrant color palette. The silk-producing silkworms thrive on the bark of Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) and Saj (Terminalia tomentosa) trees. These remarkable creatures spin their cocoons during hibernation, from which long, lustrous silk filaments are carefully extracted. These filaments undergo meticulous treatment before being reeled into continuous threads. These threads then find their way to the skilled hands of weavers, who employ jacquard or pit looms to craft a wide range of textiles, including sarees, dhotis, stoles, kurtas, yardage, and exquisite home furnishings. These creations cater to both domestic and international markets, reflecting the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Champa’s artisans.
The Artistry of Champa Silk Sarees: An Ode to Tradition
Champa silk sarees come in three distinctive varieties, each a testament to the weaver’s artistry and dedication:
- Phera Saree: The phera saree features a plain body adorned with a kumbha (temple) motif running along its borders. Adding an aura of timeless elegance.
- Jala Saree: Crafted using the meticulous jala technique. The jala saree allows weavers to create a mesmerizing array of floral. Foliate motifs, and geometric patterns, showcasing their unwavering attention to detail.
- Khapa or Patiya Saree: The khapa or patiya saree takes creativity to new heights. Employing supplementary weft threads on the pallu to create a captivating ribbed design adorned with continuous line and dash patterns. These sarees are distinguished by their use of extra weft threads, which add an exquisite touch of ornamentation.
A Splash of Color: The Vibrant Dyeing Tradition
Traditionally, kosa silk has been dyed using a variety of natural sources. Including palas for yellow, rora for red, and a combination of lac and Hirasaki for black. However, modern times have seen the emergence of acidic dyes. Appreciated for their vivid and striking colors, which have gained popularity among artisans.
A Distinctive Recognition: Geographical Indication Status
In a testament to its unique production techniques and distinctive characteristics, Champa silk sarees and fabrics from Chattisgarh received Geographical Indication (GI) status from the Government of India in 2011. This recognition further cements Champa silk’s status as a treasured and irreplaceable part of India’s textile heritage.
Some Supplier of Champa Tassar Silk are :
Export Quality Silk Suppliers
MD Silks Industries, Barchha para, next to lakhan mangalam, Champa, Chhattisgarh
Anshul Silk, Barchha para, next to lakhan mangalam, Champa, Chhattisgarh mob : 9425223196
Aerimo Silk Craft, Barchha para, Champa, Chhattisgarh, mob :7999350517 www.aerimosilkcarft.in
L.K.Sons, Barchha para, Champa, Chhattisgarh, Mob : 7748974471
Pooja Silk House, Thana Chowk Champa Mob : 09300489202 http://www.poojasilkhouse.co.in/
Local Silk Suppliers
Ramnarayan Dewangan, Barchha para, Champa, Chhattisgarh, Mob : 9826457765
KALYANI SILK, Barchha para, Champa, Chhattisgarh Mob :9981761431
In conclusion, Champa silk stands as a testament to India’s rich textile heritage. Blending tradition with innovation to create exquisite pieces of art. With its distinctive qualities, vibrant colors. And a legacy that spans centuries, Champa silk continues to capture the hearts of connoisseurs and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.