about the Sualkuchi pattu sari - the pride of Assam

2. SUALKUCHI PATTU SARI
Assam is well known for production of high quality silk since ancient times. Kautilya’s
Arthashastra, a political literature of 3rd century BC refers to the silk types Kauseya
(Tussar/Muga), and Cina pattu (Mulberry silks) and other types of silks.
Due to the description of the color of the silk the silk was identified as Muga.
Assam silk refers to indigenous wild silk produced in Assam.
Sualkuchi is a multi cost Assam district situated on the North bank of Brahmaputra at a
distance of 30km west of Gauhati. It is world famous prominent weaving village with a
population of 21,252 and 4023 households located at an latitude of 260 10’ 0’’ N and
longitude of 910 34’ 0’’ E.

3. The main occupation of this village is weaving of traditional silk wear.
Silk weaving industry provides lively hood to 50,000 people by producing 31
lakhs linear meters of silk fabric on 17,000 looms.
It is craft village known for mulberry, muga and eri silk.
This industry received a big boost during the 2nd world war.
The obstacle faced by these weavers to achieve their goals.
The shortage of raw material, water for running the industries, weaver for
weaving and proper marketing facilities are needed.

5. Strength of this Fabric
Mulberry and non mulberry silks fabrics are weaved in Sualkuchi with rich and
unique designs and patterns.
Tourism boost was given.
Exploitation of approximately 17 to 19000 looms in clusters which is weakness.
Opportunities to be provided to the weavers
Sualkuchi is world famous natural pattu which is having high demand globally
including media. With its unique designs motils, which sets this extremely
beautiful and aesthetic silk product apart from other silk fabrics for changing life
styles of people has to be kept in mind for boosting its marketing.
Weakness: Lack of technology development, infrastructure plays a prominent role
in increasing the economic growth on residents life which in turn, escalates the
residents life quality. But there is no infrastructure training centers, financial social
and security for this small scale industry even to cater to its local demands.

6. Threats faced
Increasing price due to middle men for raw material procurement lack of
testing facilities as a result there is a chance of impure silk being blended. As
there is decline in the weavers are switching to modern life style.
Competition from other product
Due to selling of other silk fabrics from power loom in name of Assam silk at a
cheaper rate there is a threat to the credibility of this product from Assam.
Non availability & migration of weavers in search of livelihood
Migration of non availability of labors to other states its creating shortage of
people thus making the handloom industry silk.