THE CRAFT
Ajrakh Hand Block Print
From the state of Gujarat
Kachchh, Gujarat
Ajrakh is a type of fabric printing that comes from the Arabic word "azrak," which means "blue", since blue is one of the main colours used. Ajrakh printing is a complex process that can involve up to 21 stages of hand-block printing and resist dyeing.
With a rich history and vivid geometric patterns, Ajrakh can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Ajrakh printing originated in Sindh and later spread to Kachchh, Gujarat, when Sindhi artisans migrated to the area. Today, Ajrakh printing is still practiced in the villages of Dhamadka, Khavda, and Ajrakhpur in Kachchh.
With a rich history and vivid geometric patterns, Ajrakh can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Ajrakh printing originated in Sindh and later spread to Kachchh, Gujarat, when Sindhi artisans migrated to the area. Today, Ajrakh printing is still practiced in the villages of Dhamadka, Khavda, and Ajrakhpur in Kachchh.
Heritage Value
Ajrakh has always been a part of the clothes worn by the Kachchhi pastoral communities, primarily the Maldharis. It was traditionally worn as part of daily wear, as a lungi (lower garment), safa (head covering), gamcha (shoulder cloth) and malir (skirt).
The tradition is renowned for its backgrounds in nila (indigo) and lohitaka (red), which were traditionally derived from vegetable or mineral colours.
Today, the Khatris of Ajrakhpur and Dhamadka are synonymous with the print. Dupaasi is a type of double-sided Ajrakh fabric with the same pattern on both sides. It is made using a web-like design called a jaal and a border design. It is an intensive process with multiple stages of printing, washing, and dyeing using natural mordants like lime, camel dung, and harda.
Ajrakh prints come in many different designs, such as Champakali, Kharek, Nipad, Grinari, and Raiya. Inspired by Brahmand, the universe, its vibrant colours are reminiscent of the night sky.
The tradition is renowned for its backgrounds in nila (indigo) and lohitaka (red), which were traditionally derived from vegetable or mineral colours.
Today, the Khatris of Ajrakhpur and Dhamadka are synonymous with the print. Dupaasi is a type of double-sided Ajrakh fabric with the same pattern on both sides. It is made using a web-like design called a jaal and a border design. It is an intensive process with multiple stages of printing, washing, and dyeing using natural mordants like lime, camel dung, and harda.
Ajrakh prints come in many different designs, such as Champakali, Kharek, Nipad, Grinari, and Raiya. Inspired by Brahmand, the universe, its vibrant colours are reminiscent of the night sky.
Memory Vault
Dr. Ismail Mohammed Khatri, among India’s most prominent master craftsmen, played a crucial part in resettling large sections of the Khatri community from Dhamadka village to Ajrakhpur, after the devastating Bhuj earthquake of 2001.
Twenty years later, in 2021, Adam Khatri, a 10th-generation Ajrakh craftsperson from Dhamadka, won the Fidasti award for creating a puzzle with Ajrakh block patterns.
Twenty years later, in 2021, Adam Khatri, a 10th-generation Ajrakh craftsperson from Dhamadka, won the Fidasti award for creating a puzzle with Ajrakh block patterns.
Disclaimer:
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