The name Eri is derived from the Assamese word ‘era’, which means castor
as the silkworm feeds on castor plants.
Also known as Endi or Errandi, Eri is a multivoltine silk spun from open-ended cocoons,
unlike other varieties of silk.
Eri silk is the product of the domesticated silkworm that feeds mainly on castor leaves.
Ericulture is a household activity practiced mainly for protein rich pupae,
a delicacy for the tribal.
Resultantly, the eri cocoons are open-mouthed and are spun.
The silk is used indigenously for preparation of chaddars (wraps) for own use by these tribals.
In India, this culture is practiced mainly in the north-eastern states and Assam.
Eri silk is a staple fiber, unlike other silks, which are continuous filament.
The texture of the fabric is coarse, fine and dense.
Eri silk is darker and heavier than other silks and blends well with wool and cotton.
Eri, known much for its delicious and nutritious pupa
in the north-eastern part of the country,
enjoys unique characteristics like thermal properties, extra softness and aristocratic finish.
The government-owned Central Silk Board (CSB), the apex body of the Indian silk industry,
has taken major drive to promote eri silk in
north and non-traditional southern parts of the country.
The CSB has been encouraging establishment of spun silk mills in the private sector under the Catalytic Development Programme (CDP).
According to the Central Silk Board, the production of eri raw silk has increased to
3,116 tonne in 2012-13 from 1,485 tonne in 2006-07.
Here you can read more about Eri Silk of Assam,
‘Srishti Handlooms Limited’
Also, an article on the wonderful blog by Ritika
‘Eri Silk (North East India)‘
Eri Silk is also known as Ahimsa Silk (Non-violence silk)
as the process does not involve the killing of the silk worm.
Note : Click on the pictures for the Source