Mysore silk is a famous variety of silk made
Mysore and
Bangalore in
Karnataka. Known for its extraordinary quality and permanence of luster, it is an integral part of the Karnataka’s culture. In this region, people always wear some kind of silk while participating in a ritual.
Mysore silk is woven into a range of clothes, the most famous of them being the Mysore Silk Saree. This saree exhibits a range of rich colors, with golden threads interwoven in it for an enhanced effect. This costume has almost acquired a legendary status due to its sheer beauty and demand.
Silk production was introduced in Karnataka under the reign of the erstwhile ruler, Tipu Sultan. Under his patronage sericulture was introduced from West Bengal and 21 centers of silk production were established. Silk production in Karnataka greatly benefited from the huge demand of silk during the Second World War. The Allies required silk for their parachutes and the main centre of silk production, China, was under their enemy Japan’s control. The British rulers of India were thus forced to encourage silk production in Karnataka and other regions, to meet the huge demand. This marked the beginning of the heyday of Mysore silk. The current silk production in Karnataka accounts for nearly 75 percent of the country’s total silk production.
