The story
Silk weaving flourished in Murshidabad when it was the capital of the Nawabs of Bengal, and the trade continued under the East India Company. Mulberry is grown and silkworms reared in Malda and Murshidabad, giving weavers in nearby villages a local yarn supply. Several of the region's silk products now carry GI tags, and the Central Silk Board has a research institute at Berhampore.
In numbers
No published source we could open prints current numbers for this cluster.
GI tag
- Murshidabad SilkApplication no. Application No. 1044Registration details of Geographical Indications (state-wise register), IP India
- Garad SareeApplication no. Application No. 703Registration details of Geographical Indications (state-wise register), IP India
- Korial SareeApplication no. Application No. 704Registration details of Geographical Indications (state-wise register), IP India
- Malda Nistari Silk YarnApplication no. Application No. 921Registration details of Geographical Indications (state-wise register), IP India
Ways in for a newcomer
- Silk reeling and twisting units supplying local weavers
- Sell GI-tagged sarees directly online
- Dyeing, printing and finishing services for silk fabric
Problems the cluster faces
- Competition from cheaper imported silk yarn
- Young people leaving weaving
- Low and irregular weaver incomes
Businesses to start here
Saree Dyeing and Printing →Saree Rolling and Polishing →Zari and Silk Embroidery →Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →