Techniques of making silk were first invented in China around ______ years ago.

The correct answer is 7000.

Key Points

• Techniques for making silk were first invented in China around 7000 years ago.
• The Chinese developed the art of sericulture, mastering the cultivation of silkworms and the collection of their silk cocoons.
• The secrecy surrounding silk production in China was maintained for centuries, with strict regulations on exporting silkworm eggs or cocoons, allowing the Chinese to maintain a monopoly on silk.
• The development of silk production in China played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Silk Road, enabling the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between China and other regions.​

Additional Information

• Similar techniques in other cultures:
  • Sericulture in Japan:
    • ​The techniques of sericulture and silk production spread from China to Japan around the 3rd century CE.
    • Japanese sericulture adapted and refined Chinese methods, leading to the establishment of a unique silk industry in Japan.
  • Silk production in India:
    • ​India has a rich history of silk production, with evidence of silk production dating back to ancient times. Indian silk production techniques, known for their intricate designs and vibrant colours, have been developed and passed down through generations.
    • India is renowned for its various silk types, such as Banarasi silk, Kanchipuram silk, and Mysore silk.