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All you need to Know - Ajrakh
This exclusive hand block-printing technique came to Kutch from Sindh, some 400 years ago at the behest of the King of Kutch. The craftsmen from Khatri community were invited to come and practice their art on the Banks of Dhamadka river. The popular story among local artisans is that Ajrakh means "keep it today".
Ajrakh is however a type of print, intricate and fine, typically floral and has root in Moghul Cultural. Traditionally, Ajrakh is printed with carved Wooden Blocks thumped on the Fabric side by side with precision by skillfull Hands of Artisan.
Ajrakh Printing is sixteen step process of washing, dyeing, printing, and drying. Each day for each step is needed and the cloth is put to rest in the other time. The ingredients in Ajrakh are derived from nature such as wild indigo, pomegranate bark and seeds, and harde. Camel dung is also used to remove starch from the fabric. Apart from this the artisans use rusted iron to create dye.
The Ajrakh is usually costly compared to other hand block printing technique because of high cost of wooden blocks costing as much as Rs 3000, labour and skill intensive, Length and repetitive process involved and use of Natural Organic and Inorganic Dyes derived from natural elements and compounds.
This Traditional Art form is much liked by the modern generation too. This piece of art and expertise involved in the same from the master craftsman, is sure to catch one's attention and imagination.
Mashru Silk
Mashru is the simple yet striking Indian fabric. Mashru is a vibrant and sleek fabric, and often called the master of satin finishes. Mashru word means 'Permitted' in Arabic. This fabric hails from West Asia around 19th century. Mashru was handcrafted with a medly of plush silk on the outside and soothing cotton on the inside.
The fabric is an integral part of the wardrobe of Kutch Nomads. Nowadays, only weavers from the small towns of Gujarat practice this craft.
Silk on the outer surface has a glossy appearance, the cotton yarns on the back side, soak sweat and keep the wearer feeling cool in warm weather conditions; thus making this luxurious fabric, of practical utility.
Material Composition:
60% Viscose (provides soft silky feel on top)
40% Cotton (forms inside of satin fabric, provides strength and comfort)
An Art of making natural dyes is typical to Kutch Region of Gujarat in India. It is one of the oldest known to human, However number of persons with the knowledge of the art is now limited and reducing day by day. The Khatris of Kutch region of India, - Dhamadka and Ajrakhpur Villages - are generations of master printers and dyers and represent the longest and finest of printing traditions in the world.