The origin of Mysore Silk factory dates back to the early 19th century. However, the raw silks was tested and imported from Switzerland. During the late 19th century KSIC [the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation] took it up and today, the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation holds up the region’s dominion in silk and silk products. The whole factory was rationalized and KSIC ensures that the raw silk goes through a thorough production process to meet the high excellence expected of Mysore silk. They have hundreds of designs and colors in its gamut, with the traditional designs taking the main place. It is said that Karnataka is the biggest producer of raw silk.
KSIC produces Mysore Silk saris that is of greater quality when compared to the other manufacturers. The reason being, they use a greater silk yarn that gives good thickness to the fabric. In fact the KSIC is the only silk weaving unit in the country that uses zari in silk saris. Each of these woven splendor goes through an insubstantial process before it gets a place in one's wardrobe.
KSIC has also made a tie –up with the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore, for the design of saris, dress materials, salwars, elegant stoles and much more. Recently KSIC has also launched its distinctive bridal wear collection “Threads of Gold,” in collaboration with the distinguished fashion designer Deepika Govind. Each sari was unique in itself. It was specially dyed in various attention-grabbing hues and shades. The limited edition of bridal wear saris were fabulous and one of its kind. KSIC even plans to start a museum to showcase saris of the yester years. Shaheen Rao, a devoted customer of Mysore Silks says, "The onlookers are sure to get beguiled by the absolute splendor of the traditional saris in the museum".
The KSIC has around ten showrooms in Mysore, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad etc. It will soon develop its network to the other cities. The KSIC also proposes to sell the saris online. In addition, it is in great demand in the corporate sector. The Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation now supplies saris to organizations like HSBC, Infosys Technologies, hotels like The Oberoi, Le Meridian, banks and other associations.
The downside is that the Mysore Silk's brand image is frequently misused by trivial traders and firms who pass off mediocre silk as Mysore silk. To be on the safer side, clients and purchasers need to note the embroidered code number and hologram in every sari they get, and that is particularly true with regards to the zari sari. The code and hologram can be used to trace the history of the sari.
However, more steps have been taken to curtail the fraudulent ways. With the GIR [Geographic Indication Registry] regime notifying the brand, anyone interested in selling Mysore Silk saris will have to get the needed permission from KSIC and pay royalty for the sales.
Earlier Mysore silk saris were the privilege of royal families, but now even the middle class can afford them. So can anyone resist to own one?
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