Did you know that the Mulberry Tree hailed as “the tree of life” with unique healing properties dating back to over 5,000 years, belongs to the genus of Morus, flowering plants in the family Moraceae, with its foliage being the only food for the silkworm (Bombyx mori)?
Mulberry Tree, synonymous with silk production, originated near the lower slopes of the Himalayas, is in the Morus genus flowering plants in the family Moraceae, consisting of diverse species of deciduous trees. Said to be more than 5,000 years old, it is more known as the food source of silk worms and also an herb used not only in India but also in China, and in fact was central to life in ancient times, both in the East and West.
Hailed by Emperors, poets, artists and depicted in various literary compilations, throughout India, Asia, Europe, and Middle East not only as a healing food ingredient and as a traditional medicine to restore health, but mostly for its derived product the richly textured silk used for rich attires donned by them. Chinese mythology calls the Mulberry Tree as “The Tree of Life“, and also known as 'Shahtoot' in Hebrew, Hindu and other Middle Eastern Cultures. Virgil, one of Rome’s greatest poets, described the Mulberry Tree as “The Tree of Gold “ (D’arbe D’or). Vincent van Gogh, the famous painter, featured the Mulberry Tree in several of his paintings. The ancient Greeks dedicated the plant to the goddess of wisdom Athena (the Roman goddess Minerva), and defined it as “A tree with life reviving potential”.
Out of a large base of 150 species in the Morus genus, India has 17 commercial varieties. White mulberries first grew in the Himalayan regions while black mulberry originated in Persia and spread to ancient Greece and Rome; and by the 12th century, Europe had both white and black mulberries. Records also indicate that as early as 2800 BC, China’s Chang Tong province grew mulberry trees commercially for its ever-expanding silk industry.
Silk production and trade, which have been since long a large and profitable industry for several countries, are inextricably linked to mulberry leaves on which silkworms feast. Mulberry silk is one of the most renowned and popular forms of Silk, particularly when it comes to textiles. Originated from the era of Indus Valley Civilization, it is one of the exquisite silks used in textiles; rearing of wild silk from the available caterpillars or worms was a popular culture then. In India, the cocoons sole source of food is the white Mulberry plant, which results in their white or off white color. Mulberry Silk provides the shine and fluidity that is desired in every fabric. In ancient times Mulberry silk known for its shine and softness was one of the most recognized silks by the Rajas and Maharajas and the rich people worldwide who wore with pride their intricately designed and opulent robes.
The knowledge of sericulture probably arrived first in Assam with the Tibeto-Burman groups which arrived from China around the period of 3000-2000 BC. Kautilya’s Arthashastra, a political literature of the 3rd century BC, makes references to the highly sophisticated silk clothing from Assam. Kautilya mentions the production of Suvarnakudyaka (from Kamrupa) along with Vangika (from Vanga/southern Bengal) and Paundrika (from Pundra/northern Bengal), all of which were types of Kauseya(Tussar/Muga) and Cina-patta (Mulberry silk). The Arthashatra also refers to four trees (Vakula, Likucha, Vata and Naga-vriksa) which the silkworms feed on. The type of silk from Assam is identified as Muga.
Mulberry foliage is the only food for the silkworm (Bombyx mori) and is grown under varied climatic conditions ranging from temperate to tropical. Mulberry cultivation in India is now widespread covering almost all states covering about 282, 244 ha with 'Sericulture' as an important agro-industry. The dominant player now in this field is Karnataka, though a late entrant in the 18th century, and the state provides approximately 16,000 hectares for its growth. Other states in the silk race are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Orissa, Manipur, and West Bengal.
The primary mulberry variant grown in India is 'Morus indica'. This type thrives in warm, balmy weather, making it best suited to the south of India. Another popular variety is white mulberry known as Morus alba known as shahtoot grown in north India in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Another mulberry variety is the Pakistan mulberry (Morus serrata): this variant is grown in to Himachal Pradesh in the Himalayas, and in the sub-Himalayas at an elevation up to 3,300 meters. Yet another variety is the Himalayan mulberry (Morus laevigata), which has a very long life. which is grown in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, and Manipur. These trees may live for at least a couple hundred years. In South India mulberry season occurs twice a year; the first from October through November, and the second occurring March through May.
Mysore’s (now Karnataka) tryst with silk began with Tipu Sultan in the early 1780s when he received Chinsilk as gift from an ambassador from the Qing dynasty-ruled China at his court. Then the silk industry under Tipu’s initial patronage and subsequent royal patron age of the Wodeyar Kings of Mysore, was developed in Mysore Kingdom (now Karnataka) by obtaining silkworms from Bengal and Muscat and encouraging the plantation of mulberry trees; thousands of Mulberry Tress seeds were also brought from China. Mysore Silk is now a big ticket textile, marketed as richly woven Mysore Silk Sarees and fabrics. Mysore silk is exclusively produced by the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Limited (KSIC) with its raw silk production factory located in T.Narasipura. and the weaving factory located in Mysore.
Most of mulberry’s production is dedicated to harvesting leaves for silkworm food and later, silk thread extraction rather than its fruits. Mulberry fruits, though a favourite with many, have limitations due its short shelf life and they need careful wrapping, packaging, and temperature-controlled storage.
The axiom for most mulberry varieties is, “the darker, the better.” The sweetest mulberries tend to be rich purple; almost black. Every part of the fruit should yield to the touch, and ideally, be a bit sticky. Of course, white mulberries live up to their namesake and remain white even at peak ripeness. Additionally, some white mulberries have been cross-pollinated with other varieties, and are thus pink or red.
All parts of the Mulberry Tree (berries, leaves, twigs and the root bark) are utilized for medicinal and commercial purposes. Mulberries are loaded with health benefits on account of its deep purple hue. Ayurvedic practitioners have used mulberry leaves as an emollient and diaphoretic, and the fruits (Shahtoot, in particular) to treat depression and fever. To combat sore throats, some gargle a brew created from the leaves. Morus indica has ability to decrease blood sugar levels and liver glycogen levels, thus illustrating antidiabetic and antioxidant potential and also cholesterol lowering potential.
India has a center dedicated to preserving the genetic diversity of mulberry plants, under the Ministry of Textiles.
- Narasipur Char
