Bulk of the world raw silk supply is spun by the domesticated worm bombyxmori which is fed on mulberry leaves. Non-mulberry silk, otherwise known as Vanya silk are abundantly found in remote regions, hilltops and in forest interiors of Burma, China, India, Korea and parts of equatorial Africa and South- East Asia. According to entomologists there are five hundred different types of wild silk Moths spinning silk cocoons. But only few have commercial value. Vanya Silk includes Tasar, Eri and Muga silks. India is the only country producing all the three vanya silks commercially exploited besides, of course, the mulberry silk. Muga silk, the golden silk of assam is the exclusive product of India.
Interestingly, the Vanya products crafted entirely by the rural poor are consumed exclusively by the affluent strata of the urban society, thus transferring money from rich to poor and urban to rural. Thus, the Vanya silk, in a way, is spearheading a silent social revolution benefitting the poorest of the poor. This signifies further the crucial role played by the lesser known Vanya silk, which is often relegated to the rear in the silk arena. In the export front too, Vanya silk have great potential although the present export basket carries only the tasar varieties.
Wild silk with a share of 10% of the total silk output of the country are of considerable importance in the Indian Context. Collection of wild silk cocoons and drawing handspun yarn from them had been a gainful occupation of tribal folks from time immemorial. Besides earning livelihood for thousands of rural poor, silk cultivation and silk weaving has become part of our culture heritage. Hence it is of crucial importance that these rare species of silkworm are protected from getting extinct and such traditional cottage industries of native India sustain its growth and continue to be available for the mankind at any cost. Let’s therefore join together and give a helping hand to the survival of this tiny but vital industry of native India that provide gainful employment of thousands of rural folks and prevents migration of youths from rural to urban
Vanya silks on the form of Tantalizing Tasar, irresistible Eri and the Magnificent Muga silks comes out of the hands of our traditional weavers with intrinsic designs, vibrant colors and exotic feel. Vanya silks portray the rich crafts, culture and folklore of the Northeastern and tribal zones of Central and Eastern India.Vanya silks have a distinctive look and feel as they are produced by wild silkworms that feed on leaves of oak, castor, som, salu and arjuna in the open jungles. Tasar yarns, both in natural and dyed form are put into an array of fabrics woven with poetic designs in the hands of our traditional artisans.Tasar is the popular veriety among Vanya silks and India is the second largest producer of tropical tasar silk. The silkworm Antheraeamylitta is fed on Asan and arjuna leaves. Eri silk worm Philosamiaricini is fed on castor or tapioca leaves and produce finer silk that has properties closer to that of wool. Muga silk worm AntheraeaAssama thrives on Som and Soalu and produces the golden silk, the monopoly product of India.