When it comes to Aj_rakh

Have you ever speculated about the beautiful textiles which India has to offer? India was the largest exporter of textiles in the 17th and 18th Centuries, before the Industrial revolution. One of such beautiful textile craft is Ajrakh Printing. It is a resist block printing and it involves various steps of dyeing and resist printing by using natural dyes and mordants. This craft is evolved to be around 4,500 years old. The term ‘ajrakh’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘azrak’ which can mean ‘indigo’ or ‘blue’. According to history, it is originated from the two words in Hindi – Aaj rakh, meaning ‘keep it today’. The craft is practiced by the khatri community. It is said that they are perfectionist artisan for ajrakh. They are settled in the region of kachchh, Gujarat. They are engaged in this for centuries and the technique has been passed from generation to generation, there are both Hindu and Muslim Khatris in Kachchh.

The cultural significance of ajrakh is from Sindh people. It is worn by men of the Muslim Maldhari community of cattle herders. It is used as a turban, a shawl, use as a bed-sheet or tablecloth and when worn out, it is recycled as a hammock for babies, cover for a bullock cart and most commonly used as a backing for patchwork quilts. It is used and reused till threadbare. It is celebrates as significant events of the life cycle, from birth to marriage, until death. It is more than a fabric, it is the symbol of respect and hospitality. They also honored guests by giving ajrakh as a gift, both giver and receiver consider it as pride.

The craft has been on a decline due to modernization, quick methods of printing and dyes have replaced the natural, muted colors and this slow and careful process of printing this traditional textile.

But with some efforts of the master craftsmen and increasing awareness among the urban people, this craft is slowly gaining momentum. Because of an environment friendly,it is slowly gaining visibility among the cosmopolitan. It has been exhibited in national exhibitions for many years, but now the scale has been enlarged due to the display of this craft in Expo centers and also has increased its fame internationally. Many fashion designers are using Ajrakh with different ornaments like sequences and Gota work. The fusion of traditional customs with contemporary one is a very unique and beautiful combination. It has become a fashion statement among buyers looking for sustainable, environment-friendly and ethical fashion. The fact is, Ajrakh is among the many traditional crafts that have been thriving harmony with nature for centuries.