Why in News?
Meghalaya inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Eri Weaving at Nongpoh to preserve traditional weaving skills while creating livelihood and tourism opportunities.
Why is Eri silk special?
Eri silk is often called 'Ahimsa' or 'Peace Silk' because the fibre can be processed without killing the silkworm inside the cocoon.
The centre will provide training and design support to weavers, spinners and rearers, while linking the craft with textile tourism.
Meghalaya and the wider Northeast have a strong tradition of Eri silk production.
Exam Connect
National Handloom Day → August 7
The Four Types of Indian Silk
Mulberry Silk: Accounts for over 75% of national production. It is soft, smooth, and lustrous. Major producers include Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Tasar (Tussar) Silk: A textured, copper-coloured silk produced by wild silkworms. It is mainly harvested in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
Eri Silk: Often called peace silk because the silkworm leaves the cocoon before harvest. Assam produces a large share of this fabric.
Muga Silk: A rare, natural golden silk found only in Assam. It holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique shine and durability