Is Ahimsa a new type of silk ?
It is essentially non-mulberry silk from inherently non-reelable eri silk cocoons and non-violently processed tassar and muga cocoons. We just produce it in a different way where the pupae are not stifled or killed to obtain reeled yarn and the moths complete their full life cycle.
Is that the same as wild silk ?
Yes and no. All wild silks are not Ahimsa Silk and all Ahimsa Silksare not wild silks. For example, tropical tassar silk worms can only be reared on host trees in the open and spin their cocoons also on the trees which make it true wild silk. Whereas muga silk worms have to be reared on host trees but can spin their cocoons separately on leaves strung in enclosures making it semi-wild silk.
Can Ahimsa Silk be made from mulberry silk ?
Technically yes – but the mulberry worm has been so thoroughly domesticated that its moth has been reduced to a flightless mating machine.
What is the guarantee that Ahimsa Silk cruelty-free produced silk ?
Eri silk is technically not reelable so its pupae need to be stifled when making unbroken reeled yarn and spun into silk. For tassar silk, two reputed Ngos supply us with yarn made from pierced cocoons that have only been used for their breeding cycles.
Is it more expensive than the conventional reeled silk ?
The silk process is completely handcrafted which is labour intensive- right from collecting the cocoons to spinning the yarn to weaving the fabrics /products. This does affect the pricing to a certain extent, however our silks are still quite affordable considering its high quality.
Is it as durable as reeled silk ?
Absolutely- and it also has better moisture absorption properties and fibre purity as it is spun yarn.
How about its thermal qualities ?
Eri silk has good thermal insulation properties and is well – suited for mil climates. It also has better luster and texture than wool.
How do you maintain it ?
Ahimsa Silk can be washed but because we use the purest non-chemical, vegetable dyes to preserve the natural essence of the fabric , it is preferable to dry clean only.
Can you visually discern the difference in Ahimsa Silk ?
Spun silk is easily distinguishable from reeled silk amongst tassar spun silks (ahimsa and non-ahimsa), Ahimsa Silk will have a more natural shade as no reeling waste is allowed to dilute its composition.
What are its natural colours ?
Muga Silk is known as the king of silks owing to its natural golden luster. Whereas, the natural shades of eri silk range from pure white to cream to beige. These silks can be further embellished by printing and painting, embroidering and can be blended with cotton, wool, jute and other fibres to create exotic fabrics.
Can it be dyed in all colours ?
Eri silk is easy to dye, but not tassar and muga. The natural shades of tassar and muga offer such a wide aesthetic variety that these natural shades are unique and better left in their original state.
Who are the primary rearers of these silkworms ?
Eri and muga silks come mainly from north east India but now eri being cultivated in other parts of India too, wherever host plants are abundantly available. Tropical tassar is reared by tribes in central India and temperate tassar is commercially cultivated in only one pocket in Uttranchal.
Does Ahimsa Silk work with any NGOs that support its ethical production practices ?
Ahimsa Silk was developed by the largest NGO in the country, People for animals, which runs animal hospitals and ambulances, take care of animal management with government bodies and does legal and educational work for animals. Its Chairperson is the world-renowned environmentalist and animal welfare spokesperson Mrs. Maneka Gandhi.
Does Ahimsa Silk believe in incorporating traditional silks and methods in the production process ?
Ahimsa Silk works together with People for Animals to train a large no. off tribal weaver groups in Assam, Gujarat, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal for the production of these kind of silk textiles. Also, our products are woven and embroidery by tribal groups with designs and motifs adapted from their traditional repertoire for the modern world.