Photograph — Eri silkworm (polu), the source of eri silk. Source image unavailable; caption preserved.
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Handloom Textiles · Assam, Meghalaya
Eri Silk of Assam (Ahimsa Silk)
A warm, matte-textured silk spun from open cocoons rather than reeled, produced without harming the silkworm — hence its name, 'peace silk' or ahimsa silk.
GI status: GI-registered (Assam Eri Silk), 2016
Shelf life: Indefinite
Women-led sector
| Category | Handloom Textiles |
|---|---|
| Region | Assam, Meghalaya |
| GI status | GI-registered (Assam Eri Silk), 2016 |
| Typical shelf life | Indefinite |
| Women's role in production | Eri-worm rearing, spinning (traditionally done without killing the pupa, hence 'ahimsa' silk) and weaving is one of the most thoroughly women-led craft economies in Northeast India. |
Why this fits a low-wastage SHG model: A durable, non-perishable finished-goods category, ideal for a federation retail catalogue with no spoilage exposure.