West Bengal to set up ‘design bank’ for silk sarees.

The West Bengal government will set up a design bank with the help of art college students and other artistes to revive silk sarees produced in the state. The state will pay the artistes.

State chief minister Mamata Banerjee has taken an active interest to revive the lost heritage. To popularise the silk products manufactured in the state, she has advised weavers to bring about variations in designs so that they look more modern. The weight of the sarees will also be reduced, according to a report in an Indian newspaper.

Bengal silk was once famous worldwide. Under the patronage of the nawabs of Murshidabad, Bengal silk products reached Europe and were later exported by the British merchants. However, with time, Murshidabad silk lost its glory along with Bishnupuri silk.