Origin & History:
Sanganeri Print is a traditional hand-block printing technique that originated over 500 years ago in the village of Sanganer, near Jaipur, Rajasthan. It flourished under Rajput and later Mughal patronage. Sanganeri prints were highly sought after by Indian royals and later by European traders from the 17th century onwards.The craft is recognized with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Artisan Communities: Practiced primarily by the Chhipa community (traditional printers and dyers).
Geographic Spread: Sanganer village (outskirts of Jaipur, Rajasthan).
Technique & Process:
1. Fabric Selection: Fine cottons or silks are washed and sun-dried
2. Bleaching & Pre-treatment: Fabric is bleached in sunlight or cow dung solution for brightness
3. Block Printing: Wooden blocks intricately carved by hand. Multiple blocks used for outlines and color fills. Printed by hand with natural or azo-free pigments
4. Color Fixing & Finishing: Washed in river water, dried, and ironed. Traditionally sun-dried near the Sanganer River for natural curing
Materials & Motifs:
· Fabric : Lightweight cotton voile, mulmul, cotton cambric, chanderi
· Dyes: Traditionally vegetable dyes; now also azo-free chemical dyes
· Motifs: Floral butas: Rose, lotus, sunflower, lily. Mughal-inspired patterns: Jaals (networked florals), bels (vines), mango and paisley motifs.
Notable Brands & Use:
Anokhi, Cottons Jaipur, Fabindia, Raw Mango and Good Earth. Jaipur Rugs and Aavaran Udaipur.
Cultural Significance:
Revered for its symmetry, fineness, and natural color palettes. Now popular in boho-chic fashion, contemporary ethnic wear, and luxury resort collections. Key part of India’s living textile heritage, blending art with slow, sustainable fashion.