Banglar Muslin

Name: Banglar Muslin
Brand: West Bengal Khadi & Village Industries Board

Registry facts for Banglar Muslin
GI number	GI-30
Typical price	₹20,000 - ₹5,00,000
Verified cooperatives	West Bengal Khadi & Village Industries Board
State	West Bengal

About Banglar Muslin

Banglar Muslin refers to the very fine, plain-woven cotton cloth associated with Bengal. Historically the muslin of the Bengal delta was so delicate that it was likened to woven air and travelled to courts across Asia and Europe. The GI covers muslin made in West Bengal, where weavers continue to make lightweight, sheer fabrics used for saris, scarves and dress material.

Heritage and place

Bengal's muslin trade flourished for centuries and was one of the world's most admired textiles, before industrial competition and colonial policies devastated the industry in the nineteenth century. Modern efforts to revive fine cotton weaving in Bengal build on that heritage. The GI acknowledges the craft's origin and helps weavers claim the name for authentic products, not just fabrics that resemble it.

How it is made

The finest muslin needs very fine cotton yarn, hand-spun or spun to a high count, and a weaver with a light hand. The yarn is carefully prepared and sized before being set on the loom, where the weaver works slowly to keep the delicate threads from breaking. Because thread count and spinning quality vary, modern muslin ranges from everyday light cotton to very fine, premium pieces.

Registry record

Banglar Muslin is listed in this catalogue as GI-30, a Geographical Indication tagged product of West Bengal in the handicrafts category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Banglar Muslin

What to check

Hold the fabric to the light: real muslin is sheer and even, with a soft, cool feel. Handwoven pieces have subtle variations in the weave, while powerloom copies are uniform. Ask about yarn count and whether the cloth is hand-spun or mill-spun. Buy from weavers' cooperatives, state emporia and established revival projects, and expect fine handwoven muslin to be priced well above ordinary cotton.

Ultra-fine hand-spun cotton exceeding 250-count thread fineness. Fabric feels virtually weightless and passes effortlessly through a small ring.

Price to expect

Genuine Banglar Muslin typically sells in the range of ₹20,000 - ₹5,00,000. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.

Where to buy

Look for authorised sellers such as West Bengal Khadi & Village Industries Board, or government emporia and cooperatives in West Bengal.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI-30 · West Bengal · reviewed 2026-10-02

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Banglar Muslin?

This catalogue lists Banglar Muslin as GI-30. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Banglar Muslin made?

Banglar Muslin is produced in West Bengal, in the handicrafts category of this catalogue.

Can Banglar Muslin legally be made outside West Bengal?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of West Bengal may legally sell goods under the name “Banglar Muslin”.

What does genuine Banglar Muslin cost?

Genuine Banglar Muslin typically sells in the range of ₹20,000 - ₹5,00,000. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.

How can I spot a fake Banglar Muslin?

Ultra-fine hand-spun cotton exceeding 250-count thread fineness. Fabric feels virtually weightless and passes effortlessly through a small ring.

Where should I buy genuine Banglar Muslin?