Sualkuchi Silks

Sualkuchi is almost an hour long journey from Guwahati, the capital of Assam. This place is known for handloom weaving cluster where weavers are engaged in traditional method of silk weaving. After a scenic journey over the mighty river of Brahmaputra, Sualkuchi cluster welcomes you with open arms with varied offerings. Perhaps the ser-iculture of Assam has gradually evolved this place as silk weaving cluster. Muga weaving was primarily focused but due to scarcity of Muga yarns the exercise has dwindled. Muga fabrics is called golden fabric for their golden glow.

The typical silk weaving of this place is mainly associated with the Assamese traditional attire like Mekhla Chadar and Sarees. Though being a silk weaving cluster, Sualkuchi has become very commercialized with hybrid multibrand stores popping up at Sualkuchi and polluting the essence of hand loom cluster.

Still Sualkuchi has few weavers who offer wonders in silk weaving. The motifs used in mekhla chadar and saree are mainly inspired from Assamese traditional, folk and tribal motifs. One can see Jaapi (tribal Assamese hat), Rhinos, Peacock, Half Moon etc. The transcendent art of silk weaving in Sualkuchi region was primarily in Jaala technique which involved multiple pedals and weft weaving on the loom. But today it has got replaced by jacquard which is much more faster and cost effective which has somehow made the motifs much uniform and flat in nature giving a very run of the mill feel. The weavers of Sualkuchi mainly focus on few colors only comprising of beige or muga color, maroon, steel grey, black, yellow, royal blue and green.

What is unique about Sualkuchi Silk Weaving is that the borders are separately woven and then stitched to the main base of the fabric of Mekhla or Saree. Even the pallu edge of a Saree or Chadar is finely hand crafted with yarn pompoms.

So one can stop by at Sualkuchi to buy handful of these silk crafts for any day trip from Guawahati.
#fondhand

Moirang Journey...

Through Moirang roads, I discovered Manipur in a new dimension. INA or Indian National Army led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian flag in 1944 much before Indian Independence.

Netaji is a much celebrated figure in this land. Each year this day is marked with respect and glory in Manipur.

Apart from Indian Independence, Moirang has a spectacular lake called "Loktak Lake". This lake is huge and has numerous floating circular wreath like islands all over. I was awestruck by this view from flight above. Though at eye level it is difficult to capture the floating ring island. 

Later that day, I visited Bijangarea Handloom Cluster situated in a serene town called Churchandpur . The textiles and extra weft work are woven with intricacy and impeccable effort. I was Also told that Indian boxer Mary Kom belonged to  Churchandpur.

I am sharing few extra weft fabrics hand woven in Bijangarea Cluster.

After a whirlwind tour I returned to Imphal, and visited Ima market again. Came across beautiful, neat work of Jamdani/ extra weft textiles which I couldn't resist to buy.

 

I returned to Calcutta with lots of goodies like dried fish, fabrics, woolen shawls for an entire year supply. #fondhand