Meghalaya’s Ryndia – Eri silk textile accorded GI tag

Meghalaya's traditional handwoven fabric, Ryndia, made from ethical Eri silk, has been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

1. Unique Features: 

 Ryndia is handwoven, handspun, naturally dyed, and organically produced. It is deeply rooted in Khasi traditions and is known for its soft texture, durability, and stunning natural hues derived from organic dyes.

2. Sustainable and Ethical Production: 

 Eri silk is harvested without harming silkworms, making Ryndia a sustainable and ethical textile.

About Eri silk Eri silk, also known as "Ahimsa silk" or "peace silk," is a unique and sustainable type of silk that is primarily produced in India, especially in the northeastern states like Assam and Meghalaya.

1. Production Process: 

 • Unlike other types of silk, Eri silk does not require killing silkworms to harvest the fibers. The silkworms, primarily of the species Samia ricini, leave their cocoons naturally after completing their life cycle, hence the name "Ahimsa silk."

2. Characteristics: 

 • Eri silk is soft, warm, and durable, often compared to wool, making it ideal for winter garments. • It has a matte finish rather than a shiny texture like Mulberry silk.

Major types of Silk Produced in India: India is renowned for its rich tradition of silk production, with several unique varieties originating from different regions of the country.

1. Mulberry Silk:

 • Origin: Dominates silk production in India, particularly in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.

• Features: Known for its smooth texture, durability, and natural sheen. • Uses: Widely used for premium sarees and apparel.

2. Tasar (Tussar) Silk: 

 • Origin: Produced by tropical tussar silkworms, mainly in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal. • Features: Coarser texture compared to mulberry silk, with a golden sheen. • Uses: Popular for sarees, stoles, and ethnic wear.

3. Eri Silk (Ahimsa Silk): 

 • Origin: Primarily produced in Assam and Meghalaya. • Features: Eco-friendly and cruelty-free as silkworms are not harmed. It has a wool-like texture, soft and warm. • Uses: Ideal for shawls, scarves, and winter garments.

4. Muga Silk: 

 • Origin: Exclusively produced in Assam, from the Antheraea assamensis silkworm. • Features: Lustrous, durable, and golden-yellow in color, it improves with age. • Uses: Mostly used for high-end sarees and traditional attire.

5. Kosa Silk: 

 • Origin: A variety of Tasar silk produced in Chhattisgarh. • Features: Famous for its soft texture and earthy colors achieved through natural dyes. • Uses: Commonly used for sarees and traditional garments.