The Flourishing Silk Industry of Bangalore

The IT capital of India, Bangalore is not just renowned for its silicon valley but it is also a pilgrim centre for the Sericulturists. Not only is this place known for its silk manufacture and research but is also popular for its production of Bangalore handloom silk sarees. Exhibiting exhilarating kadiyal borders and pallus in contrasting colors, these handloom sarees from Bangalore stand out for their simplicity, purity, and finely textured silk. While many may intermingle the names of Bangalore silk sarees and Mysore silk sarees, both these sarees from Karnataka differ in texture and design. While Mysore sarees are softer and come with thin zari border, Bangalore sarees are thicker plain weave sarees with temple border and appliqué prints or stylish block printed zari borders. Light and airy, these pure silk sarees from Bangalore came in rich metallic colors that add to their opulence and grandeur making them a perfect wear for ceremonial rituals and other traditional functions.

History of Production of silk in Bangalore:

Tracing the origins of the rich heritage of silk sarees in Karnataka, Bangalore plays a pivotal role in the success of silk industry of the state. The beginning of sericulture in Karnataka happened in the times of the great warrior king Tipu Sultan who first imported silk cocoons from China and set up a silk worm rearing unit in Channapatna. However, it was JRD Tata, the greatest visionary of the country who pioneered building of the traditional sericulture and silk industry along scientific lines by developing a sericulture farm in 1896 with a filature and weaving unit in Basavanagudi area of Bangalore which was also the first training center for sericulture in the country. Its history goes like this; On his visit to Japan in 1893, JRD highly impressed with the sericulture industry there invited an expert Japanese couple to imbibe scientific approach and develop a systematic model for sericulture. For chose to set it up in Bangalore due to its favourable climate, its abundant mulberry trees to feed silkworms on and its already flourishing silk industry credited to Tipu Sultan. Thus, was The Tata Silk Farm established in 1902 which started as a small filature of 10 basins and mulberry gardens and grew as a training and research centre for sericulture.

Traditional looking Bangalore silk sarees have always been a preferred choice for religious ceremonies and weddings. Usually, plain with rich pallus and borders in zari, these Handloom silk sarees from Bangalore came in rich and bright colors. However, the current trends of Bangalore silk sarees are changing. Adorned in crystals, colored stones, color beads and gold threads, sometimes these sarees also flauntappliqué prints or block prints on their borders and pallus. Some of these silk sarees are made even more rich and grand through zari motifs, woven patterns, and designer borders. Some varieties of Bangalore silk also parade detailed images and inscriptions from the epics, folklore and themes from nature to make them exclusive and designer wear.

Ankur Modi is a Social Media Consultant and Blogger. I love to write on Handloom textile industry. Follow me to get updates on Indian Handloom Sarees