Bhagalpur Tussar Silk Katia Weaving Bihar

Bhagalpur in Bihar is India's premier tussar silk weaving city, earning the name "Silk City" from the dense cluster of power-loom and handloom units in Champa Nagar and Nathnagar neighbourhoods that weave fabric from tussar (Antheraea mylitta) cocoons reeled in the sal and arjun forests of Jharkhand and Bihar's tribal belt. Bhagalpur tussar — called Bhagalpur silk or Bhagalpuri fabric — is characterised by its natural golden-beige colour, slightly textured surface from irregular reeled thread, and exceptional drape and durability. The weaving community — predominantly from the Tantu and Ansari communities — has operated power looms for shirting and suitings since the 1970s alongside traditional handloom production of sarees with hand-painted or block-printed tussar. The Bhagalpur Silk Industry is supported by the Silk Board, which maintains a regional office for cocoon procurement and yarn quality testing. Bihar State Handloom Development Corporation markets Bhagalpur silk through its Manjusha chain of retail stores and at national craft fairs.