GUJRAT
EXPLORE
Gujarat boasts a rich tapestry of handicrafts that reflect its vibrant culture and skilled artisanship. The state is renowned for its intricate Kutch embroidery, characterized by vivid colors and mirror work; the ancient art of Bandhani tie-dye, and the luxurious Patola silk weaving of Patan.
Ajrak
Ajrak is a block-printing craft dating back over 2,000 years in the Indus Valley region. Its name derives from Persian “ājrāq” (“dye”).
Rogan Work
Rogan work is an ancient surface embellishment technique that originated over 400 years ago in Kutch, Gujarat
Batik
The word “batik”
comes from the Javanese term ‘ambatik’, meaning “to write with
wax.” It is a centuries-old textile art that originated in Java, Indonesia.
Bandhani
Bandhani (from the Sanskrit bandh, meaning “to tie”) is one of the oldest known tie-dye techniques, dating back over 5000 years.
Chintz
Chintz refers to a glazed, printed cotton fabric originally made in India and exported to Europe as early as the 16th century.
Ikat
The term comes from the Malay-Indonesian word “mengikat”, meaning “to tie.
Chinai Embroidery
Chinai (also called Soof) embroidery originates from the Sodha Rajput and Meghwal tribes.
Appliqué Work
Rooted in the 12th century, Pipli appliqué work was developed to create ceremonial canopies, umbrellas, and banners for Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra in Puri.
Sindhi Style Embroidery
Sindhi embroidery evolved along trade routes connecting Sindh (now in Pakistan) to Kutch.
Rabari Embroidery
Rabari embroidery has its origin in the pastoral Rabari community of Kutch, Gujarat.
Mochi Embroidery
Named after the term “mochi” (cobbler), early practitioners were leatherworkers.
Ari Embroidery
Ari embroidery traces its roots to the Mughal era (16th century), believed to have been brought to India by Persian craftsmen.
Kutchi Style Embroidery
Kutchi embroidery is a pan-tribal craft in Kutch, with inputs from Ahir, Rabari, Jat, and Meghwal communities.
Dhabla Loom
The Dhabla is a traditional coarse woolen shawl or blanket that originated in Kutch, Gujarat. It was traditionally worn by Rabari, Bharwad, and Ahir pastoral communities.
Tangaliya Loom
Tangaliya weaving is a 700-year-old indigenous textile craft
practiced by the Dangasia community in Saurashtra, Gujarat.
Patola Loom
The Patola loom is used in weaving Patola sarees, a rare and luxurious form of double ikat handloom textile from Patan, Gujarat.