The Traditional Indian Dyeing Techniques and Prints
EXPLORE
The traditional techniques of Indian dyeing and prints, from the bold and earthy Sanganeri block prints of Rajasthan to the intricate storytelling of Kalamkari in Andhra Pradesh. India’s dyeing and printing heritage is a living art passed down through generations, where natural dyes from plants, minerals, and even cow dung are skillfully applied using age-old methods.
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.
Kalamkari
Kalamkari (from kalam = pen, kari = craftsmanship) is a 3000-year-old Indian art form of hand-painting or block-printing.
Rogan Work
Rogan work is an ancient surface embellishment technique that originated over 400 years ago in Kutch, Gujarat
Dabu Print
Dabu print is a traditional mud-resist hand block printing technique that dates back to the 8th century in Rajasthan.
Bagru Print
Bagru printing is a traditional hand-block printing technique that originated over 300 years ago in Bagru village, known for its vegetable dyes.
Discharge Printed Panel
Discharge printing is a resist-based textile printing technique, It became widely popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Europe and India.
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Chintz refers to a glazed, printed cotton fabric originally made in India and exported to Europe as early as the 16th century.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.
Sangeri Prints
Sanganeri Print is a traditional hand-block printing technique that originated over 500 years ago in the village of Sanganer.
Leheriya
Leheriya, derived from the Rajasthani word leher meaning “wave,” is a vibrant tie-dye tradition dating back to the 16th century.
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”).