Q.Distinguish between muga silk and eri silk.

Muga silk is produced by Antheraea assamensis. It is a naturally golden-yellow silk, endemic to Assam (GI-tagged 2007), and the worm is semi-domesticated, reared outdoors on Som (Persea bombycina) and Soalu (Litsea polyantha). The intact cocoon is reeled into continuous thread.

Eri silk is produced by Samia ricini, a fully domesticated moth reared on castor (Ricinus communis) and kesseru. Its cocoon is open at one end, so the moth escapes and the silk is spun into yarn rather than reeled — hence 'peace/ahimsa silk'. Eri cloth is soft, warm and wool-like, used for shawls and winter wear.