The art of bagru printing
400 years ago, people from Sawai Madhopur, Alwar, Jhunjhuna, and Sikkar settled in Bagru, a small town located in the heart of Rajasthan. In this newly established town, the bright...
400 years ago, people from Sawai Madhopur, Alwar, Jhunjhuna, and Sikkar settled in Bagru, a small town located in the heart of Rajasthan. In this newly established town, the bright sun, the radiant minds of the Chippa community and the Sanjariya river came together to create an artform that remains timeless even today. One of the most charming handblock prints, Bagru is loved all over the world today for its distinct hues and captivating motifs.
Traditional Bagru prints flaunt dark motifs on a cream-coloured or dyed background with endless variations. Intricate natural motifs as well as the presence of geometric designs such as leher (waves), chaupad (checks), and jaali (intricate trellis) are all markers of the Bagru print.
Skill, precision, and rigorous hard work define the Bagru printing process. The primary step is intricately carving the desired designs on wooden blocks. Artisans then prepare the cloth by soaking it into the ‘Harda’ solution that gives it that distinct yellow tint. While the cloth dries in the sun, the perfect concoction of dyes is prepared. When all is set, the detail-oriented printing process finally begins. Direct Dye Printing and Resist Printing are employed to imprint the designs on the fabric. This is followed by dyeing and washing to bring mesmerizing Bagru cloth to life.
From the weather to the movement of fingers, every element involved in the creation of the Bagru print requires perfection. And it is this unyielding perfection that has kept this craft alive for centuries, despite countless challenges. Today, the Bagru print adorns everything from clothes to home decor. Owing its popularity to the master Chippa community, the beautiful print has created a name for itself in every corner of the world.