Snapshot

• Why Jharkhand’s Tussar silk is iconic: Jharkhand, especially the Godda and Bhagalpur belt, is one of India’s largest producers of Tussar (Tasar) silk—a non-mulberry silk with a rich golden sheen, coarse texture, and high breathability. It’s often called “Wild Silk” because it is produced by silkworms that feed on wild forest leaves (Asan, Arjun, and Sal trees).
  
• Cluster identity: Godda has been identified as an ODOP (One District One Product) district for Tussar silk. The region supports a complete value chain—from sericulture and cocoon production to yarn spinning and weaving—making it a powerhouse for sustainable and traceable silk sourcing.
  
• Global appeal: Tussar silk’s natural texture and organic story make it highly desirable in luxury apparel, eco-conscious fashion, and interior textiles markets in Japan, Europe, and the US.
  

Product Range

Category	Key Products
Sarees & Dupattas	Handwoven Tussar silk sarees, stoles, dupattas with tribal motifs and zari borders.
Fabric Yardage	Pure Tussar, Tussar-cotton blends, Tussar-ghicha for apparel designers.
Home Furnishings	Cushion covers, drapes, upholstery, and bedspreads.
Accessories	Scarves, neckties, handbags, and fashion accessories.
Designer Collaborations	Eco-printed and natural-dyed fabrics for sustainable couture.

Craft Technique

Step	Details
Sericulture	The Antheraea mylitta silkworms are reared in Jharkhand forests; cocoons are collected by tribal communities.
Yarn Preparation	Cocoons are boiled, degummed, and spun manually or on reeling machines. Ghicha (waste silk) yarn is also hand-spun.
Weaving	Traditional pit looms and frame looms used; tribal motifs and zari borders added manually.
Dyeing	Natural and AZO-free dyes used; eco-printing techniques gaining popularity.
Texture Signature	Distinctly coarse yet lustrous, with a matte-golden glow ideal for artisanal luxury.

Materials & Sustainability

• Material Source: 100% forest-based, non-mulberry silk; minimal chemical inputs.
  
• Eco Advantage:
  
  • Wild silk rearing does not harm silkworms (many artisans practice Ahimsa/peace silk methods).
    
  • Fully handcrafted, low-energy production.
    
• Social Impact: Supports tribal livelihoods, particularly Santhal, Munda, and Oraon communities.
  
• Circular Economy: Ghicha (silk waste) is repurposed for rustic fabrics.
  

Cluster Infrastructure

• Core Production Zones: Godda, Dumka, Deoghar, Pakur, and Sahebganj districts.
  
• Cocoon Supply Hubs:
  
  • Forest-rich belts near Ranchi, Chaibasa, and Hazaribagh supply raw cocoons.
    
• Institutional Support:
  
  • Jharkhand Silk Technical Development Institute (JSTDI) for skill training.
    
  • Jharkhand State Khadi & Village Industries Board for marketing and cluster development.
    
  • Central Silk Board for R&D, silk quality testing, and traceability solutions.
    
• ODOP Branding: Godda district Tussar silk promoted under ODOP to increase domestic and export visibility.
  
• Export Link: Fabrics consolidated in Bhagalpur (Bihar) for finishing and shipping to Mumbai/Delhi ports.
  

Compliance & Certifications

• Handloom Mark: Certifies authenticity of handwoven products.
  
• Silk Mark: Verifies purity of silk fiber and yarn.
  
• Eco Labels: Exporters comply with OEKO-TEX® and GOTS standards for dyes and finishing.
  
• ODOP Certification: Jharkhand Tussar is branded under ODOP for traceability and cluster promotion.
  
• Fair-Trade Practices: NGO-backed initiatives ensure equitable artisan wages.
  

Production Timelines & MOQs

Product Type	Sampling Lead Time	Bulk Lead Time	MOQ Guidance
Sarees & Dupattas	7–10 days	4–6 weeks	25–50 pcs/style
Yardage Fabric	7–10 days	4–6 weeks	100–200 meters/style
Home Furnishings	10–14 days	6–8 weeks	50–100 pcs/style
Designer Custom Orders	2–3 weeks	8–12 weeks	Made-to-order

Branding & Packaging

• Branding: Silk Mark, Handloom Mark, ODOP tags, and QR-coded artisan traceability cards.
  
• Packaging:
  
  • Sarees and dupattas in muslin covers with moisture-proof wrapping.
    
  • Yardage roll-packed in eco-paper and kraft cartons.
    
  • Premium wooden or eco-board boxes for luxury collections.
    
• Narrative Marketing: Branding emphasizes tribal artistry, eco-conscious sericulture, and handmade excellence.
  

Quality Control (IndiaUnbox Protocol)

• Silk Purity: Yarn fineness and micron testing for authenticity.
  
• Weaving Consistency: Warp/weft alignment and border detailing checks.
  
• Color Fastness: Natural dye testing (wash and rub fastness).
  
• Packaging QC: Moisture and crease protection to preserve fabric texture during global shipping.
  

Price Drivers

• Yarn type (pure Tussar vs Ghicha vs blends).
  
• Border work (plain vs zari) and motif complexity.
  
• Natural dyeing and eco-printing processes.
  
• Artisan pedigree and limited-batch production.
  

Buyer Confidence Signals

• ODOP branding: Recognized nationally as a flagship product of Godda district.
  
• Sustainability: 100% eco-friendly, handcrafted production with forest-based silk.
  
• Global Demand: Tussar silk is highly valued for luxury resort wear, couture, and eco-conscious interior textiles.
  

Traceable Supply Chain: Cocoon sourcing, weaving villages, and artisan names easily traceable for buyers.