CRAFT TECHNIQUE: Ajrakh Blockprint + Indigo
AJRAKH was brought to Kutch In the 16th Century, from Sindh (today, in Pakistan), to Dhamadka, a village close to the Saran River of saline water - good for dyeing of Ajrakh cloth. In the 1940's, the bright chemical colours and synthetic fabrics swamped the markets, putting Ajrakh printing into a "pause-mode". Then in the 60's, this craft re-woke up thanks to local craftsmen and patron's efforts. The Khatri families that reside particularly in Ajrakhpur, Gujarat, have been known to excel at Ajrakh printing and, today, continue the traditional techniques of their ancestors.
INDIGO is a highly revered dye among the craftsmen. They believe that a cow that drinks the solution becomes stronger and that if they eat with Indigo-stained hands, there won’t be any problems with the food or digestion. They say that Indigo has the power to turn anything natural. Wearing Indigo dyed fabric is thereby considered auspicious.
DR. ISMAEL MOHAMED KHATRI is world famous as a master of the traditional Ajrakh block printing process, as he continues the craft that can be traced back nine generations in his family. His sons Sufiyan and Juned continue the legacy. Dr. Khatri's work has been acclaimed internationally. He has won the UNESCO Award of Excellence for handicrafts.
MANO ETNA TRAVEL STORY
