Origin & History:
Dabu print is a traditional mud-resist hand block printing technique that dates back to the 8th century in Rajasthan. The name "Dabu" comes from the Hindi word "dabana", meaning “to press.” Once nearly extinct, Dabu was revived in the late 20th century . This craft gained royal patronage in Marwar and Mewar regions.
Artisan Communities: Chhipa and Khatri communities in Rajasthan
Geographic Spread: Akola and Bagru (Jaipur district, Rajasthan) Barmer, Udaipur, and Indergarh
Technique & Process:
1. Preparation: Cotton fabric is pre-washed and soaked in harad (myrobalan) to help dye adherence
2. Mud Resist Application: A paste of black clay, gum (gond), lime, wheat chaff, and sawdust is applied by hand-blocks. Sawdust sprinkled to prevent smudging
3. Drying: Printed fabric is sun-dried thoroughly
4. Dyeing: Fabric is dipped in natural dyes (like indigo or pomegranate rind) or synthetic indigo
5. Washing & Finishing: Mud is washed out, revealing the resist pattern; multiple cycles used for layered designs.
Materials & Motifs:
- Fabric: Cotton (mulmul, voile), khadi, modal silk
- Dyes: Natural indigo, madder (red), pomegranate (yellow), iron jaggery mix (black)
- Motifs: Boota, floral creepers, leher (waves), keri (mango), and animal prints. Signature blotchy effect due to hand-done resist and natural dyes.
Notable Brands & Use:
Fabindia, Anokhi, Jaypore, and Soma use Dabu extensively in modern fashion. Bunaai, Indigene, and Aavaran have revived Dabu for dresses, shirts, and kaftans.