Block Printing - An Ancient Art Form of India

 - By Prerna Yadav

AN ANCIENT ART FORM OF INDIA:

Block Printing - An Art Alive for Generations

 

Block printing and its history

Block printing is an ancient printing technique that has been practiced in various parts of the world for over a thousand years. In India, block printing is believed to have originated in the 3rd century BC and has been practiced for over 2,000 years.

Block printing involves printing a design onto fabric using a carved block. The block is made of wood or other materials, and the design is carved into it using sharp tools. Once the block is carved, it is inked and then stamped onto the fabric to create the pattern. This process can be repeated to create a repeating pattern or to build up layers of different colours.

It has been used to print on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, silk, and wool. It has also been used to print on paper and other materials.

The history of block printing in India is closely linked to the textile industry. The earliest examples of block printing in India have been found in the ruins of the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro, which dates back to 2500 BCE. Block printing was used to print intricate designs on cotton and silk fabrics, which were then used to make clothing and other textiles. 

Over time, block printing evolved and became more sophisticated. Different regions of India developed their unique styles of block printing, such as Bagh printing from Madhya Pradesh, Dabu printing from Rajasthan, and Kalamkari printing from Andhra Pradesh and many more.

Block printing has played a significant role in India's cultural heritage and has been passed down from generation to generation. Today, block printing is still practiced in India by artisans who continue to use traditional techniques and natural dyes to create beautiful fabrics and textiles.


Ancient families and their history with block printing

There are several families in India who have kept the art of block printing alive for generations.

1. Chhipa family, Rajasthan: 

The Chhipa family is a well-known block printing family in Rajasthan, India, with a history of over 300 years in the craft. They are believed to have originated from a town called Bagru, which is known for its block printing tradition. The family is particularly skilled in creating patterns using multiple colours and intricate designs, making their block prints highly sought after.

 

Their traditional printing process involves several stages. First, the fabric is washed and dyed with natural colours. Then, the design is drawn on paper and transferred to the wooden block using carbon paper. The block is then carved by hand, with each design element requiring a separate block. The block is then dipped in dye and stamped onto the fabric. This process is repeated to create a repeating pattern. Their work has been recognized both nationally and internationally.

2. Kalamkari family, Andhra Pradesh: 

The Kalamkari family is a renowned block printing family from Andhra Pradesh, India, with a history of over 400 years in the craft. The name "Kalamkari" comes from the Persian words "kalam" meaning pen and "kari" meaning work, referring to the use of hand-painted and hand-drawn motifs in their block printing. They are particularly skilled in creating patterns inspired by nature, mythology, and historical events, making their block prints highly sought after.

 

Their traditional printing process also involves several stages. First, the fabric is washed and treated with a mixture of myrobalan and cow milk to remove impurities and prepare it for dyeing. The fabric is then dyed with natural dyes derived from plants and minerals such as indigo, madder, and pomegranate. The designs are then hand-painted or drawn on the fabric using a pen or brush, and the block printing is done using carved wooden blocks. This process is repeated to create a repeating pattern.

The family also specializes in producing wall hangings, bedspreads, and saris. Their work has also been recognized both nationally and internationally, and they have won many awards for their contributions too.

3. Dhar family, Madhya Pradesh: 

The Dhar family is a well-known block printing family in Madhya Pradesh, India, with a history of over 300 years in the craft. The family is based in the town of Bagh, which is known for its unique block printing style.

The family's block printing technique involves the use of hand-carved wooden blocks and natural dyes made from plants and minerals. The designs are first drawn on paper and then transferred onto the blocks, which are then carved by hand. The fabric is then treated with a mordant to prepare it for dyeing, and then dipped in various natural dyes to create the desired colours and designs.

Their unique style of block printing, involves the use of bold and vibrant colours and geometric patterns. They also specialize in a technique called "bagh printing," which involves the use of a mud resist and multiple dye baths to create intricate and highly detailed designs.

 

The process of creating a Bagh print involves several stages. First, the fabric is washed and soaked in a mixture of water and myrobalan, a natural mordant that helps the fabric to absorb the dye. The fabric is then stamped with a wooden block, which has been coated with a resist paste made from clay and gum. The fabric is then dyed in a mixture of natural colours, with the resist paste preventing the dye from penetrating the stamped areas. This process is repeated several times, with different blocks and colours, to create a complex and multi-coloured design.

Again, their work is also recognized nationally as well as internationally, and also are prized highly.

 

 Block printing and contemporary India

Block printing continues to be an important part of contemporary India's textile industry. Contemporary Indian designers and artisans are constantly finding new ways to incorporate this age-old craft into modern fashion and home decor.

Today, Indian fashion designers have been incorporating block printing into their collections, combining traditional techniques with modern designs. They are also experimenting with new materials, such as eco-friendly fabrics, to create sustainable and eco-conscious clothing. Many Indian textile manufacturers have also started using block printing to create unique and high-quality textiles for the global market.

One example of contemporary block printing in India is the work of designer Manish Arora, who is known for his bold and colorful prints that incorporate traditional Indian motifs with modern elements. Other designers, such as Anita Dongre and Ritu Kumar, have also incorporated block printing into their contemporary fashion lines.

 

Conclusion

The use of block printing has also expanded beyond clothing and textiles, and it is now being used in home decor products such as curtains, bed linens, tablecloths, and cushion covers. The trend for handmade and unique home decor items has led to an increased demand for block printed products.

Overall, block printing is playing an important role in contemporary India's textile industry, and its popularity is only growing. It continues to be an essential part of India's cultural heritage and a source of pride for its people.

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