The Ancient History Of Alluring Ajrakh Fabrics
Ageless Ajrak fabric is known for its beautiful prints, mainly dominated by shades of red and blue put together in spread-out patterns. Ajrak prints fabric has its roots in the Indus Valley civilisation dating back to 2500 BC -1500 BC. This unique block-printed fabric is made in Sindh, Pakistan, Kutch in Gujarat, and Barmer in Rajasthan. It is said that Ajrakh printing was at its peak in India around the 16th century when the Khatri community from Sindh (current Pakistan) migrated to Kutch in Gujarat. The ruler of Kutch province was so enamoured by Ajrakh prints that he encouraged the talented artisans that belonged to the Khatri community to inhabit the lands of Kutch Gujarat and...
The Ancient History Of Alluring Ajrakh Fabrics
Ageless Ajrak fabric is known for its beautiful prints, mainly dominated by shades of red and blue put together in spread-out patterns. Ajrak prints fabric has its roots in the Indus Valley civilisation dating back to 2500 BC -1500 BC. This unique block-printed fabric is made in Sindh, Pakistan, Kutch in Gujarat, and Barmer in Rajasthan. It is said that Ajrakh printing was at its peak in India around the 16th century when the Khatri community from Sindh (current Pakistan) migrated to Kutch in Gujarat. The ruler of Kutch province was so enamoured by Ajrakh prints that he encouraged the talented artisans that belonged to the Khatri community to inhabit the lands of Kutch Gujarat and bring that beauty of Ajrakh alive. Today, the villages of Ajrakhpur in Kutch and Barmer in Rajasthan are devoted to making Ajrakh fabric for the newer generations. The dominant colours found in Ajrakh are red and indigo, representing Earth and twilight, respectively. However, contemporary Ajrakh prints also have added the vibrancy of yellows and oranges. Traditionally, black and white colours are used for outlining the designed motif.
The Art of Making Ajrakh Print Fabric
Making Ajrakh print fabric is a long and arduous process and is deeply connected with water and its quality. It is said that the iron content of the water decides the outcome of the fabric. There are several stages involved in making Ajrakh block print fabric. First, Ajrakh material is made using the resist printing technique. This unique technique allows the absorption of dye or natural dye only in the intended areas according to the desired pattern. Then, the Ajrak fabric is washed several times using mordants, oils and camel dung to get the desired effects and vibrant colours.
Once the Ajrakh fabric goes through many steps before the final dyeing, the material is ready for Ajrakh printing. The artisans use a special resist paste and then start dying; this step is repeated several times before the final design is achieved in deep red and indigo shades. Although Ajrakh printing takes a lot of time and effort to make, it is said that the longer the wait time between the steps, the final look of the Ajrakh fabric will be mesmerising. A well-made Ajrakh running material can take 2-3 weeks to make. One can only imagine the skills possessed by the artisans that make these Ajrakh Hand Block Print fabrics. Earlier, cotton was the primary fabric used for printing Ajrakh. However, with demands for different materials taking over, materials such as cotton-silk blends, silk, modal, Chanderi etc., are incorporated for making traditional Ajrakh print fabrics.
Type of Ajrakh Print Fabric Available at iTokri
At iTokri, you can find different categories ofAjrakh print fabricthat come in beautiful prints and colours. You can find Brown Modal Silk Ajrak Printed Fabric which is a soft and comfortable Ajrakh fabric that is smooth against the skin. This brown colour is subtle and perfect for any design. There’s also the Black Floral Ajrakh Printed Fabric which is a simple yet sophisticated colour that would look good on everyone.
Explore the collection of Floral Printed Green Ajrak Running Fabric and get the summery look pinned in one style. Showcase your inner fashionista with any of these beautiful colours ofAjrak materialthat are high-quality. Get the Maroon Ajrakh Printed Floral Fabric be a little bold with your style and take the plunge to something out of the ordinary. Also, check out the range of Blue Floral Printed Ajrakh Printed Fabric that has unique patterns that will make you stand out.
Browse through iTokri for other beautiful Ajrakh fabrics that are captivating.
Demand For Ajrakh Fabric In Local and Global Markets
Ajrakh print fabric has gained immense popularity recently, owing to the newfound interest in artisanal fabrics. As a result, many homegrown designers have woken up to fine-quality fabrics that are unique and deeply rooted in our culture. Ajrakh block print fabric is one such fabric in India's list of intricately woven or dyed fabrics.
With a plethora of unique prints and fabrics, Ajrakh print and Ajrakh silk fabric have been used to offer various products in the markets. Ajrakh dresses, Ajrakh sarees, dupattas & stoles are all celebrated in India and worldwide. Many designers have even crafted home decor using Ajrakh prints. Many small home-grown brands make Ajrakh print items such as potlis, handbags, Kurtis and Ajrakh designer wear, notebooks and trendy Ajrakh kaftans.
Things Which Make Ajrakh Unique & Distinctive:
Ajrakh stands out for its vivid patterns put together after 22 stages of very diverse and time-consuming preparations for the outcome. Ajrakh hand-block print fabrics mostly use natural dyes and hand-carved wooden blocks for printing. The primary colours in Ajrak fabrics are crimson-red derived from madder plants. Indigo blue comes from the Indigo plant. Iron shaving, millet flour, and molasses mixed with tamarind seeds make black dye for printing.
Why Buy From iTokri?
iTokri, anIndian handicraft store has a unique collection of handloom, hand-embroidered, and hand-worked products online. All our products are directly sourced from master artisans and shipped to the customers to ensure that we provide the most authentic products.
iTokri believes in building long-lasting and trusting relationships with its customers across the globe. Our vast collection of clothing, like Ajrakh silk fabric, silver jewellery and accessories is unmatched online. We are your one-stop-shop for Indian fabrics online, handloom sarees, Indian art and festival gifts like organic herbal colours, organic gulal sets and many more. We take bulk orders too.
FAQs
What is the most popular Ajrakh Print?
Ajrakh print is distinguished by the elaborate motifs used in its printing. These are primarily geometric, jewel - type shapes that symbolise nature and elements such as flowers, trees etc. The most common motif found in Ajrakh is a trefoil, representing the unity of water, earth and sun.
Where is Ajrakh Print made in India?
Ajrakh print is done primarily in the Kutch district in Gujarat and Barmer in Rajasthan. However, the Khatri community has been printing Ajrakh for centuries and has its roots in the Indus Valley civilization.
Is Ajrakh a fabric?
Ajrakh is a type of printing done on different fabrics such as cotton, cotton-silk blends, silk, Chanderi, modal silk and more.
How to care for Ajrakh printed fabric?
The best way to care for Ajrakh running material or fabrics is to gently hand wash them in cold water separately from your other clothes. Wash them with mild/liquid detergents and avoid soaking them for too long.
What is the cultural significance of the Ajrak fabric?
TheAjrakh fabricwhich is also called the identity of Sindh and Sindhi people is a symbol of respect and pride for men and glory for women. It is also presented as a gesture of hospitality to guests of the Sindhi.
