These are the days of graphic emblazoned t-shirts and digital printed dresses. And yet, uniqueness continues to reign in the fashion spectrum. The heritage craft of creating designs on fabric using wooden blocks; called block printing, was born in India nearly 450 years ago.
Communities from Rajasthan and Gujarat is where the art form finds its origins; specifically the chippa community of the Bagru area of Rajasthan. Jaipur has gone on to become an unofficial capital for block printing across the world; earning multiple block printing techniques of Sanganeri and Bagru their own Geographical Indication (GI) Tags in India in 2009 and 2011.
(Also Read: A Glimpse Of The Private Rooms Of Jaipur's City Palace Like Chhavi Niwas, Rang Mahal Through Diljit Dosanjh's Eyes)
Photo Credit: Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
The process uses wooden blocks to imprint an outline of a design onto a fabric and a second wooden block to then fill in the colours within the borders of these designs. Multiple patterned blocks are often layered to add complexity to the designs. Printers, dyers and wood block carvers play a pivotal role in the creation process, which goes through 11 stages. Naturally-derived dyes from flower and vegetables was the traditional choice for the craft however, more chemically-laden ingredients are finding preference today.
The uniqueness of block printing has allowed it to branch into various different forms which are distinguished by minute details. While Sanganeri is a print on a lighter colour background, Bagru is on a darker background colour. Dabu is a mud-resistant variant that is created through a more lengthy process and Kalamkari is also formed through a labourious process by freehand drawing.
Photo Credit: Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing
In the heart of Jaipur lies the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing, a space dedicated to celebrate the rich handiwork of hand block printing. Situated in a refurbished 16th century haveli, it was created using indigenous materials and time-honoured construction methods which earned the preservation project a UNESCO award for 'Cultural Heritage Conservation' in 2000.
Colloquially known as AMHP, the museum focuses on educating the public about the craftsmanship of block printing, what it involves and how it ties into the heritage of the states it originates from through tours and workshops. They exhibit a diverse repository of clothing and home furnishings from the early 1970s to present as well as historic textiles from within their archives. Demonstrations give a glimpse into the detail involved in block printing. Twinkle Khanna, who recently visited the museum, called it "an immersive experience in the history and art of block printing" and an "artistic pilgrimage" as she tried her hand at the craft herself.
From the village dresses originating in Balotra to the Ajrakh prints of Gujarat still spotted in plain sight, the collections displayed aim to showcase designs created by talented artisans, traditional outfits which are rarely seen today and give a glimpse into the rich history of the art form.
There may be no other path to take other than the one ahead but that doesn't happen without paying ode to where we've come from and the Anokhi Museum is just that place for this craft form.
Sources: Anokhi Museum, Government Of India
(Also Read: Like Sanjana Sanghi, Enjoy Jaipur Rains At These Must-Visit Attractions In The Pink City)
