Muga silk is a variety of wild silk geographically tagged to the state of Assam in India. The silk is known for its extreme durability and has a natural yellowish-golden tint with a shimmering, glossy texture.
One of the rarest silk in the world is Muga silk originated from Assam. The fact that makes it distinct from other silk fabrics is its golden yellow color.
The word 'Muga' in Assamese means yellow, owing to the yellowish golden colour of the silk fabrics.
The weaving of Muga silk has been traced back from 1228 to 1828 during the reign of the Ahoms. The Ahom rulers prioritized the growth of Muga as an industry.
The Ahom rulers made it mandatory for all members of the royalty and the higher officials in their kingdom to wear clothes made from Muga silk.
Muga silk is extracted from the cocoons of Antheraea assamensis. Depending on the season, it acquires a rich golden yellow or light brown colour. Typically, it takes about 1000 cocoons to produce 125 grams of silk and about 1000 grams of silk for one saree.
The Golden Muga silk fabric consists of a smooth texture, is extremely soft, and highly lustrous. It gently caresses your skin and makes your body breathe easily.
The fabric does not comprise any chemicals and is made up of natural fibers. It consists of 97% proteins and the rest of wax and fat.
Enthusiasts believe that Muga fabric helps in decreasing the skin moisture and stimulates the skin and delays signs of aging.