Sparkling, wavering light, extraordinary sheen, exquisite zari work and a royal feel! Adjectives aren’t enough to explain the beauty of our Mysuru Silk. There many ‘Brands of Mysuru’ which happen to carry a great legacy with them and Mysore Silk tops the list.
While Karnataka is known as one of the largest mulberry silk producers in India, Mysore is known for the production of Mysuru Silk. These sarees are weaved out of pure passion. Lightweight fabric, intricate detailing in weaving, varied range of rarest colours and most importantly a royal outlook. These are a few characteristics of Mysuru Silk. They never cease to attract ladies.
The history of Mysuru Silk:
It is Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar who brought silk production to mainstream in Mysore. According to history, erstwhile King Nalvadi once witnessed Queen Victoria’s celebration festivities in Britain during the 19th Century. He was absolutely amazed to see the exquisite quality of Silk used by them. Hence he ordered 32 power looms from Switzerland. A silk manufacturing unit was set up in Mysore during 1912. Sericulture blossomed so well under his reign that he ended up buying 138 more looms. Though this factory was initially meant just to meet the requirements of the Royal Family, their service was expanded to common citizens later.
KSIC: Sole proprietor of Mysore Silk
After independence, a silk factory which was spread over 17 acres of land went under the control of the Government’s Sericulture Department. It is operational even today in the name of Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC). Carrying forth the legacy of his forefathers, Srikanta Datta Narasimharaja Wodeyar, scion of the Royal family of Mysore, contributed extensively towards the promotion of this craft form, through his brand – Royal Silk of Mysore.
With a rich cultural foundation paired with the latest technological advancements and trends, Mysore silk sarees have gained a special place in the hearts of women across the globe. This heirloom weave is one amongst the many indigenous art forms of our country, which have stood the test of time and deserve to be protected for generations to come.
- Established in 1912, Mysuru Silk factory (KSIC) which is located at Manathavady Road, Mysore is the oldest silk producing unit of India
- Mysore silk sarees are exclusively manufactured by the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC). Hence it’s not possible to avail Mysore silk sarees anywhere else except at authenticated KSIC showrooms & website.
- KSIC inherits the privilege of being the sole proprietor of Mysore Silk saree from the erstwhile Royal Government of Mysore. It has a certificate for GI patent registration awarded in 2005. This means that no one else can manufacture this saree apart from KSIC.
- It is believed that Mysore silk sarees are the only sarees with gold weaving on them. These sarees are manufactured using 65% pure silver zari and 100% pure gold zari.
- Mysore silk sarees are the only sarees in the world to have an embroidered code number and a hologram on the saree, which is exclusive.
- The Hon’ble President of India Draupadi Murmu wore a specially woven White Mysuru Silk saree while inaugurating Mysuru Dasara – 2022. It was gifted to her by the Dasara Committee while inviting her.
KSIC Showrooms in Mysore
- KSIC, KR Circle
- KSIC, Kalidasa Road
- KSIC, Zoo Main Road, Ittigegudu
- KSIC, Hotel Yathri Nivas, JLB Road
- KSIC Factory Outlet, Mananthavadi Road