Origin & History:
Ajrak is a block-printing craft dating back over 2,000 years in the Indus Valley region. Its name derives from Persian “ājrāq” (“dye”). Historically traded along the Silk Road.
Artisan Communities:
Primarily the Miyan community in Kutch: Muslim weavers and dyers who inherited Ajrak as a generational craft. Apprenticeships begin in childhood, passing dye recipes and block-carving skills within families.
Geographic Spread:
Kutch district (Gujarat) , Bhuj, Hodka, Nirona villages. Tharparkar region (Sindh, Pakistan)
Technique & Process (14–16 stages):
- Cloth Preparation: Cotton or silk scoured to remove sizing.
2. Resist Printing (Mordant Application): Apply a paste of oil, lime, and gum through carved wooden blocks to resist dye.
3. Dyeing in Indigo: Natural indigo vat; only the unblocked areas take the deep blue.
4. Alizarin (Madder) Printing: Apply a second resist paste, then dye in madder for red hues.
5. Lime-wash & Bleaching: Remove excess dyes and clear resist.
6. Multiple Repeats: Alternate red and blue printing, with black added by iron acetate mordant.
7. Finishing Wash & Softening: Final washes to stabilize and soften the fabric.
Materials & Motifs: Fabric: 100% cotton, silk. Dyes: Natural indigo, madder, pomegranate rind, iron acetate
• Motifs: Geometric stars (“star of Lakha”), floral mandalas, “gaav” (village scenes), stripes.
Notable Brands & Use:
Natural Dye Studio (UK/Gujarat). Anokhi and Good Earth regularly feature authentic Ajrak textiles in apparel and home collections.
Cultural Significance:
Ajrak cloth is tied to Sufi rituals in Sindh and remains a symbol of Sindhi and Kutchi identity. Its GI-tag (2006)