Sualkuchi is located in Kamrup District in the Indian state of Assam. The town has been named as the `Manchester of Assam` for the presence of large number of cottage handloom industries. It is also known for its Muga and Pat silk textiles. The town serves as a textile hub for the entire North Eastern India. Tourists can catch a glimpse of the ancient weaving technology and the diverse products that exemplify the art and culture of the town. The weavers of Sualkuchi have earned much popularity for their relentless work, craftsmanship and talent.
Geography of Sualkuchi
Sualkuchi is a census town situated on the northern bank of Brahmaputra River at a distance of almost 35 kms from Guwahati. It is regarded as a block of Kamrup District. The town has an average elevation of 35 meters from the mean sea level and it is located at 26.17 degrees N and 91.57 degrees E.
Demography of Sualkuchi
According to the India census of 2001, Sualkuchi has a population of 14,129, out of which 50% are males and 50% are females. Its average literacy rate is 82%; male literacy rate is 88% and female literacy rate is 76%. 6% of the population of Sualkuchi is under 6 years of age.
Crafts of Sualkuchi
Sualkuchi`s Muga silk and mulberry or Pat silk textiles are world famous. The local weavers weave the mulberry and Muga cloths without the use of power looms. Almost 3500 silk production units and about 10000 looms operate here at present. About 95% of the population, are engaged in the production process of the silk industry. With the aid of computers different types of modern designs are being prepared. However, the computerised design has been able to diminish the popularity of traditional design that has been preserved through ages. Some of the names of the traditional designs are miri, magar, kinkhap, etc. The designs consist of pictures of temples, animals, geometrical shapes and at times of natural scenery. Few of the designs also include consist of sprays of flowers and elephants interspersed with leaves and springs and numerous combinations of geometrical patterns. The white paat silk and the golden muga silk threads are made into exquisite chadars, saris, shawls, dress materials, rihas and gamochas etc.
The complete production process passes through several stages. In the initial stage mulberry yarn is procured. These are mostly brought from Bengaluru and Mysore in the form of reeled yarn. Muga are fetched from the local producers of Lakhimpur, Dhakuakhana, Boko, Mirza, Palashbari and also from the Garo Hills of Meghalaya in the form of cocoons. The later stage involves extracting of cocoons silk yarn through the reeling method. The reeling process involves unwinding of filament from cocoons that usually has the combination of 8 to 12 filaments together. Finally a thread is acquired apt for the weaving of cloth. 5000 quality cocoons can provide almost one kg of reeled yarn. Assam produces more than 90 percent of yarn. According to traditions during every Assamese marriage the new bride is gifted with several Muga and Mulberry sets. Numerous weavers work persistently along with privately owned looms to uphold their tradition and culture of hand weaving in the region.
Visting Information to Sualkuchi
Sualkuchi is well connected with different transports. Regular bus services are available from Guwahati for the town. It takes almost 1 hour to reach the town from Guwahati. Taxi service is also available here. Azara Railway Station and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport are the nearest to Sualkuchi. Sualkuchi is connected to road through National Highway 27.
