Authentic Indian Handloom Sarees from Odisha
If you love silk but prefer an earthy, understated look over high shine, tussar is the silk for you. In Odisha, the village of Gopalpur in Jajpur district is famous for it, and tussar sarees with a Dolabedi pallu and hand-woven temple border are among the most loved pieces in our collection.
What is Gopalpur Tussar?
Tussar (also spelt tasar) is a wild silk, made from cocoons of silkworms that feed on forest trees such as arjun and asan rather than mulberry leaves. In Gopalpur, weaving families have worked this silk for generations, and Gopalpur Tussar fabrics carry a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Much of the work, from reeling the yarn to weaving, is done by hand within the community.
How tussar differs from mulberry silk
- Colour: a natural honey-gold or beige base, often left undyed.
- Texture: slightly coarse and textured, with small slubs, rather than glassy-smooth.
- Sheen: a soft, matte glow instead of a bright shine.
- Feel: lighter and more breathable than many heavy mulberry silks.
For a deeper look, read our complete tussar silk guide.
What is a Dolabedi saree?
In Odisha, Dolabedi refers to a traditional design style seen on the pallu and borders of silk and tussar sarees, usually paired with a hand-woven temple border. Combined with tussar's golden base and bright contrast colours such as magenta, red, sky blue or purple, it creates a saree that looks festive yet refined.
How to style a tussar saree
- Office and events: an off-white tussar with a coloured border, a plain blouse and a small pair of studs.
- Festivals: a tussar with a bright Dolabedi pallu, a contrast blouse in the border colour and gold or Tarakasi jewellery.
- Weddings (as a guest): add a statement necklace and a gajra-wrapped bun.
- Winter: tussar layers well with a pashmina shawl. See our winter saree guide.
Caring for tussar silk
- Dry clean, especially for the first few washes.
- Iron on low heat with a cotton cloth in between.
- Store wrapped in muslin, away from damp and direct sunlight.
Frequently asked questions
Is tussar silk pure silk?
Yes. Tussar is a natural silk, just from wild rather than cultivated silkworms. Learn how to check purity in our guide to testing pure silk.
Is tussar good for summer?
It is lighter than most heavy silks, so it works for evening events in warm weather. For hot daytime wear, cotton is still the most comfortable choice.
Shop tussar from Odisha
Browse our pure tussar sarees with Dolabedi pallu and hand temple border, such as this Off-White & Magenta tussar saree and our Gopalpur Kotpad tussar saree, or explore all silk sarees. Free shipping, cash on delivery and easy returns. WhatsApp us at 8093590151.