Discharge printing, also called extract printing, is central to many printing traditions across India. Artists apply a design or pattern to pre-dyed fabric by printing a colour-destroying agent, such as chlorine or hydrosulphite, to bleach out a white or lighter pattern on the darker coloured ground.

Among the well-known block-printing traditions are Ajrakh, Bagh, Bagru, Sanganeri, Saudagiri, Mata Ni Pachedi, Namavali, and Balotra.

Although natural dyeing and printing was a thriving practice until the 19th century, according to surviving research, the earliest references date back to 11th century Kerala. Dependence on chemical dyes led to the emergence of discharge printing (till the revival of natural dyes began in mid-20th century). In colour-discharge printing, a dye resistant to the bleaching agent is combined with it, to produce a coloured design instead of white on the dyed surface, followed by steaming. A variety of designs composed of floral and religious motifs, geometric forms, and calligraphy are created using the technique.

Discharge printing is highly sensitive to atmospheric humidity. Due to this, in places such as Rajasthan, the process is done only during the hot, dry summer months while the steaming of fabric takes place only in the evening when it’s a little cooler. Since the printed design is barely visible, discharge printing is a particularly challenging process.

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