Rajasthan is known for its rich culture, majestic forts, traditional culture, and vibrant things. Travelers from various countries come in large numbers to experience the history of this land. Handblock printing of Rajasthan is also a great display of it. Having a history of more than 500 years, hand block pricing is still practiced in large numbers. Natural colors are used to print colors on textiles which make them look even more attractive.
The Chippa community of Jaipur first introduced this printing style to the world. Belongs to Bagru town this community now focuses on vegetable dye and mud prints.
About Handblock Printing
Handblock printing is done using plant-based dyes and then it prints to the textile. Sanganeri prints are the most popular example of this. Communities built their recipes for the plant-based dyes and passed that information to the next generation and this caused the different outcomes of printing in different communities. The output of the color on printing depends on various factors such as the quality of plants, water, skill of the master, and knowledge of printing. As of now, the new hand-blook printing forms are using premixed colors.
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Types of Handblock Printing in Rajasthan
As mentioned earlier each community has its style for handblock printing. Because of this various hand block printing styles are followed in Rajasthan. Here are the 10 most famous handblock printing styles that you can explore.
| Serial No. | Printing Form Name | Uniqueness | Location | Things Made Using Them |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bagru | Natural dyes and motifs inspired by nature | Bagru, Jaipur | Textiles – Bedspreads, sarees, dupattas |
| 2 | Sanganeri | Elaborate floral patterns and bright colors | Sanganer, Jaipur | Textiles – Salwar suits, sarees, bed covers |
| 3 | Dabu | Mud-resist handblock printing | Akola, Rajasthan | Textiles – Kurtas, sarees, scarves |
| 4 | Chhipa | Geometric and floral designs | Jaipur | Textiles – Bedspreads, tablecloths, garments |
| 5 | Bagh | Traditional designs with intricate detailing | Bagh, Madhya Pradesh (influential in Rajasthan) | Textiles – Sarees, turbans, scarves |
| 6 | Barmeri | Vibrant colors and bold geometric patterns | Barmer, Rajasthan | Textiles – Sarees, quilts, dress materials |
| 7 | Anokhi | Contemporary designs with traditional techniques | Jaipur | Textiles – Clothing, home decor |
| 8 | Kalamkari | Hand-painted or block-printed using a pen | Kaladera, Jaipur | Textiles – Sarees, dupattas, wall hangings |
| 9 | Akola | Traditional motifs with a focus on fine detailing | Akola, Rajasthan | Textiles – Sarees, bed covers, dress materials |
| 10 | Indigo Resist | Use of natural indigo dye and resist techniques | Various regions in Rajasthan | Textiles – Clothing, home furnishings |
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Process of Handblock Printing
Like any other process, Handblock printing starts with an idea of design. In the next step, these designs are drawn on the paper to make the dye. With the help of hands, these designs are meticulously carved (18*25) on the Sheesham wood. For each color, a separate dye is made for the seamless printing.
In the printing process, the black color is stamped first to create a design also called “Gud”. After that, if the design has having floral or similar kind of print the next block is used to outline the design and is known as “Rekh”. Finally, the block is filled with the colors of the design prepared in the beginning.
Color mix plays a critical role in this as a single negligence can result in the outcome of a completely different color. Master the prepare the color mix and then pour it onto a wooden block after that a mesh is used as a spoon to evenly spread the color on the block. After one print the block needs to be colored again using this color box. This process makes the Handblock printing more effective as here AZO free colors are used which are eco-friendly.
Every pattern of design will be stamped individually and this takes time and skills. A small mistake can ruin the whole design. Attention to detail and hours of hard work result in a mesmerizing and beautifully hand-block print item.
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Importance of Handblock Printing
- Artisian Communities – Many local communities of Rajasthan are depending the Handblock printing. As it is their profession to earn money they pass this art from one generation to another.
- Economic Contribution – Foreigners coming to India are often attracted to these prints and buy them from local manufacturers. It plays a significant role in the handicraft and textile industry of Rajasthan.
- Global Appeal – Handblock printed textiles from Rajasthan are highly sought after globally for their unique designs, vibrant colors, and traditional craftsmanship. The export of handblock printed fabrics contributes to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
- Promotional of Traditional Art – Handblock printing represents the rich heritage of Rajasthan. People put much effort into preserving these traditional ways of printing so other people will also know about this.
- Market Trends – As of now traditionally made things are in trend and people want to relieve the moments of heritage. Handblock printed textiles have gained popularity in the fashion and home decor markets, leading to an increased demand for these products.
FAQs
500 years ago the Chhipa community of Bagru, Jaipur introduced this printing style to the world. They have their method of printing which they pass from one generation to another.
In the handblock method of printing a wooden dye is used to print the design on textile and other things. Special recipes are used to make the plants using in color mix for a better printing effect.
Rajasthan has various kinds of Rajasthan Handblock Printing and some of them are – Bagru, Sanganeri, Chhipa, Barmeri, Anokhi, Kalamkari, and more.
As of now the block prints of Rajasthan are most famous among all the other handblock prints. Indians also used the clothes of Sanganeri prints in large numbers.
