India’s first silk museum to be established in Mysuru: Report
INDIA will establish its first silk museum in Mysuru, renowned for its silk sarees, to highlight the rich history and craftsmanship of silk in the country, reported The New Indian Express on Thursday.
Central Silk Board’s (CSB) National Silkworm Seed Organisation (NSSO) Director Dr Manthira Moorthy said that the silk museum in Mysuru will display detailed exhibits on silk production, including how the thread is procured from the pupa stage to how it is woven into a fabric.
“This will be the first-ever and unique museum. A dedicated team is being deployed to work on this. The total cost of the project will be known after tenders are finalised. The museum will be set up in CSB’s centre in Mysuru, which is spread across 120 acres,” TNIE quoted Moorthy as saying.
The project has already gained momentum, with CSB officials researching silk museums in China and Italy to deepen their understanding of international best practices and collections. The team is also compiling a collection of traditional and heritage silk items from silk-producing states and local farmers across India.
The project, promoted by the Ministry of Tourism, will reportedly begin groundwork in the upcoming financial year and complete it in two years.
Once finished, the museum will also offer educational insights into identifying authentic silk versus counterfeit varieties.
Karnataka, which contributes around 32% of India’s total silk production, is the leading state in the industry. The region is home to 11,526 sericulture villages, where more than 148,000 farmers and 6,700 reelers are engaged in the production of silk, added the report.
The roots of sericulture in the state can be traced back to the reign of Tipu Sultan, who promoted the industry. Major cocoon production areas include Chikkballapura, Kolar, Ramanagara, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Bengaluru Rural.
