Tussar silk is collected from wild silkworms found on the Sal, Arjun and Saja trees. Often called nonviolent silk, the silk is sometimes harvested after the larva has left the cocoon. This silk has a rich, deep gold color and a fine texture.

Weavers in the Indian states of Jharkhand and Bihar grow up with yarn and looms, spinning beautiful textiles from a very young age. The silk saris and shawls are often the main source of income for the women who produce them. The Berozgar Mahila Kalyan Samiti Cooperative was founded in 1993 to improve the livelihoods of these spinners and weavers. The coop seeks to increase self-reliance for these women through income generation.