The Indian garment ethnicity is as large as a continent, with over 30 cloth designs distributed across 28 states and 8 union territories. With each state cultivating their unique textile art for endless years, these skills are not only one of the dreamy, shining, and glorious waterways that merge to shape the many complex and vibrant legacy and community among all eras.
Cotton, jute, and silk have dominated the trading system amongst India and the international community since antiquity, and our background with garments and designs are as vivid as the early morning dawn. From the Mughal era till even after freedom, artisans and craftsmen around the world have been collaborating with and bringing new flavours to the indigenous fabric.
1. KALAMKARI
Kalamkari is a type of cotton hand-printed or blocks printed product that originated in the province of Andhra Pradesh. Previously, musicians, poets, and scholars would depict descriptions of Hindu myth tales, which eventually contributed to the development of kalamkari art. It has been conducted by communities and centuries throughout history. After hardening and drying the material, it is illustrated in stages based on the paint structure. The blue parts are dyed with resin, and the residual parts are manually painted. When drawing, a bamboo cane with a package of thin fiber is utilized as a brush.
The Ramayana and Mahabharata are considered as key influences in this artistic medium, which portrays India in all its majesty.
2. BATIK
This form of display involves selectively washing the fabric in a colour and selectively printing it with wax. It started in Egypt and has left traces in several countries. Soaking, pounding, pattern formation, wax application, and other methods are used in the procedure. This is a wax-resist staining procedure that is introduced to the entire range of the fabric. This is done using a spouted instrument or a copper stamp known as a crown.
3. AJRAK
A category of the block-printed shawl from mostly India’s western states that display compositions created using block printing by stamps. They were developed in the extremely prehistoric Mohenjo-Daro culture, and their tradition has been passed down over the generations. Woodblock printing produces highly dimensional structures. The method employs organic dyes and other plant dyes and the fabric is a representation of the region’s antiquity and culture.
4. DABU
Dabu or daboo is a stunning clay-resistant hand block printing methodology that originated in Rajasthan. It has withstood the examination of endurance with difficulties and is a time-consuming printing technique requiring several steps and a large volume of manpower. Dabu printing is said to have started in China, and Rajasthan gradually developed as the most prominent hub for it. The styles are identical to the “batik” printing type, but the methods used are significantly distinct.
It’s a lengthy process that includes wiping, handwriting, clay resistance, and dried. Plants, flowers, and multiple iconographies are key ingredients of this form of block printing, which is observed in unique communities in Rajasthan.
5.BAGH
The title derives from the Bagh district of Madhya Pradesh, where it is very commonly exercised and refers to an ancestral printing process. It refers to a hand-block printing process in which the colours chosen are entirely normal. The printing methodology is claimed to have evolved as a result of the Khatri demographic’s decision to move from Sind and reside around the Bagh River.
The compositions were influenced by depictions of the Taj Mahal, carnations, flowers, and various natural elements. The method involves incorporation of abstract shapes and vivid tones as well as maximizing the chemical structure of the river to achieve truly special combinations. This method can be done on several materials, including cotton, silk, chiffon, and bamboo chicks. After the starch is removed from the cloth, it is subjected to the “Bhatti procedure,” which involves heating, drying, and copying.
This form of block printing has gained mainstream recognition and the patronage of both state and federal authorities.
6. GOLD AND SILVER DUST
In this age-old process, valuable metal powder such as gold and silver is utilized to offer textiles the feeling of elegant zardozi and the shimmer of gold. The method has evolved to include the use of less expensive metals such as mica and chamki.
Rajasthan is known for its expertise in this type of block printing. This methodology is noteworthy for the inclusion of previously printed, woven, and finished textiles, since it only requires substrate labour with little conductivity. It is made of roghan gum paste and castor oil. Two separate blocks are required and the gum paste is pressed into a template on the cloth by protrusions. The metal powder is then spattered on the surface to provide the desired quantity of shimmer and gloss. Most patterns are made up of miniature markings and hops.
7. LEHERIYA
A simplistic dyeing strategy common in Rajasthan produces striped fabrics in a wide range of vibrant shades. Avoid dyeing is applied to cotton or silk cloth. Historically, 5 distinct colours were utilized with organic dyes being the preferred choice of pigment. The technique is named after the sequence it produces, pulses, which are known as Leheriya in Rajasthan. The fabric is wrapped and structured in such a way that the colour scheme is only added in a certain design on the garment.
8. SANGANERI
Sanganeri, a form of block printing that appeared in Rajasthan, is used to decorate home furnishings as well as clothing. This decoration evolved and saw impacts as people moved from adjacent states such as Gujarat owing to conflicts. A manual printing process that requires setting out the substance on surfaces and then printing with intricately designed blocks. The fabric is labelled ahead of time to ensure that the design’s balance is preserved.
Beautiful floral patterns with buds, roses, leaves, mangoes, and even jhumkas are often used in the intricate designs on the bricks.
9. BAGRU
The printing process, which is common in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is arduous but yields excellent outcomes. This method, which is over a century old, was created by families and passed down through generations in Rajasthan.
The heart of the printing process is comprised of cleaning, rough staining, drying, and other measures. Blocks are pressed down on the cloth from side to side. Following it, the cloth is dried. They are then cleaned, heated, and scrubbed to produce the finished material.
10. BANDHANI
Bandhani is a tie-and-dye procedure that goes all the way historically to the Indus Valley Civilization. The printing methodology was developed by the Khatri population of Gujarat, India, and is mentioned in ancient writings such as the Harshacharita.
The cotton is dyed after being plucked into mini knots with nails. A pattern composed predominantly of circles of varying lengths against a background of vibrant colours marks bandhani.
CONCLUSION
Most of India’s block printing methods and tie-and-dye prints showcase the continent’s unique heritage and legacy. Holding these manufacturing methods relevant and circulating the world requires imagination, artistry, and a great deal of work. The adage “unity in diversity” is aided by various designs and methodologies. The significant quantity of heritage that has been transmitted and elegantly maintained in the nation is the abundance of various colours combined with elaborate designs. They are deserving of all the support and affection they will receive.
