Tussar silk has a look all its own: a natural golden-beige colour, a slightly rough, textured surface and a rich, earthy sheen. It is one of India’s most distinctive silks – and Jharkhand, where Achinova is based, is one of the country’s important tussar-producing regions.
What is tussar silk?
Most silk comes from cultivated mulberry silkworms. Tussar (also spelled tasar) is a “wild” silk from the Antheraea silkworm, which feeds on trees such as arjun and asan in forest areas. Because the fibre is naturally coarser and shorter, tussar has a characteristic dry, textured hand and a natural golden shade that takes dye in earthy tones.
Where it is made
Tussar is produced mainly in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and parts of Bihar and West Bengal. Bhagalpur in Bihar is famous for weaving tussar and is nicknamed the Silk City; in Chhattisgarh a related variety is known as kosa silk. Jharkhand’s forest communities have long been involved in rearing the cocoons.
Why people love tussar
- Distinctive texture: no two pieces look exactly alike.
- Breathable: comfortable in warm weather compared with heavier silks.
- Versatile: works for sarees, kurtas, dupattas and stoles, plain or hand-painted, embroidered or block-printed.
- Earthy palette: natural golds and beiges pair with almost any accent colour.
How to style tussar
A plain tussar saree with a bold contrast blouse feels modern and elegant. For daywear, pair with minimal silver or oxidised jewellery; for evenings, add gold and a statement blouse. Tussar dupattas lift a simple cotton kurti instantly.
Caring for tussar
Dry-clean the first few times, avoid direct sunlight while drying and never use harsh detergents or bleach. Store in a cotton cloth, away from moisture. The natural texture is part of the fabric – ironing on a low silk setting is enough.
A note from Ranchi
Being based in Jharkhand gives us a close view of how central textiles are to the region’s livelihoods. It is one of the reasons we care about telling you plainly what each fabric is and where its style comes from.