Shopping for Silk Scarves and Shawls in India

In the past, Indian cloth was received in markets that were physically and culturally worlds apart. Nowadays the global society we live in means the two are edging closer together. At h4heaven we have a wide range of silk scarves and shawls, leather handbags, viscose shawls and pashmias which are both practical and cheap and jacquard shawls and pashmina products, the majority of which is sourced from India.

Silk, known as Pattu or Reshmi in southern parts of India and Resham in Hindi, has a long history in India and is widely produced today. Historically silk was used by the upper classes, while the poorer classes used cotton. Today silk is mainly used in Bhoodhan Pochampally (also known as Silk City), Kanchipuram, Dharmavaram, Mysore, etc. in South India and Banaras in the North for manufacturing garments and Sarees. ‘Murshidabad silk’, famous from historical times, is mainly produced in Malda and Murshidabad district of West Bengal and woven with hand looms in Birbhum and Murshidabad district. Another place famous for production of silk is Bhagalpur. The silk from Kanchi is particularly well-known for its classic designs and enduring quality. The silk is traditionally hand-woven and hand-dyed and usually also has silver threads woven into the cloth. Most of this silk is used to make saris. The saris usually are very expensive and vibrant in colour. Garments made from silk form an integral part of Indian weddings and other celebrations. In the north-eastern state of Assam, three different types of silk are produced, collectively called Assam silk: Muga, Eri and Pat silk. Silkworms that are native only to Assam produce Muga, the golden silk, and Eri.

The heritage of silk rearing and weaving is very old and continues today especially with the production of Muga and Pat riha and mekhela chador, the three-piece silk saris woven with traditional motifs. Mysore Silk Scarves, which are known for their soft texture, last many years if carefully maintained.

For a beautiful Indian silk scarf or pashmina, visit us today!