Kolkata: West Bengal Finance and Industries minister Amit Mitra on Saturday said the state government is reviving the 2000-year-old Muslin industry of Bengal.
The finesse of muslin can be gauged by the fact that 1 inch of the silk has 1800 strands of thread, Mitra said on the potential of Bengal's Muslin.
"The government is resuscitating the Muslin industry project. There are 5000 artisans now employed to weave Muslin fabrics," Mitra told a gathering consisting of British diplomats and other select guests.
Mitra said 'Arthashastra' written by Kautilya in 200 BC had referred to Bengal's silk, which means "our silk is over 2000 years old having originated in Murshidabad."
He was addressing culmination of the Silk River Project organised by the British Council to explore the unique relationship between London and Kolkata through artistic exchange between communities along the Thames and the Hooghly river.
Mitra said the state has received GI for several products some of which are linked to the Hooghly-Thames connection like Darjeeling tea, which is popular in the UK.
"We got GI for Darjeeling tea and logo. It is like a patent," he said.
A GI (geographical indication) is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin.
Mira said Bengal's 'Nakshikatha', which is a handmade quilt, got GI as well as Santinikenan Leather products, Baluchari and Dhaniakhali sarees, sweetmeat 'Joynagarer Mowa' and Tulaipanji rice.
Referring to Rosogolla, Mitra said "We had a big fight for that with Odisha.... Finally Bengal got GI tag," he said.
Though Bengal remained a great friend of Odisha, for rosogolla "We won't succumb under any circumstances," he said.
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