Sualkuchi – The Silk Center of Assam
In the of context of silk weaving in Assam, Sualkuchi is a name that stands apart. Situated on the bank of the river Brahmaputra, about 35 kms from Guwahati, Sualkuchi is a block of Kamrup District. Weaving is a dominant occupation in Sualkuchi. In fact Sualkuchi is known as the "Manchester of the East".
Assam Silk
As of 2001 India census, Sualkuchi had a population of 14,129. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Sualkuchi has an average literacy rate of 82%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 88%, and female literacy is 76%. In Sualkuchi, 6% of the population is under 6 years of age.
The weaving tradition in this hamlet can be traced to the 11th century when king Dharma Pal, of the Pala dynasty, sponsored the craft and brought 26 weaving families from Tantikuchi to Saulkuchi. The village took shape as a weaving village when the SHAMS occupied Sualkuchi defeating the Mughals in the mid 17th century.
Sualkuchi is the textile center of Assam. Muga silk and Pat silk along with Eri silk and Endi cloth from this region is famous for its quality. ‘Mekhela chadors’ and ‘Gamosas’ made from this indigenous materials is in demand throughout Assam as well as other parts of India.
Map of Sualkuchi, Assam:
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Assam Information Portal