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    Ajrak: The Ancient Art of Fabric Printing

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    M. USMAN KHAN
    The ajrak is a traditional Sindhi textile made using block printing with natural dyes. The craft originated among the Khatri community in Sindh and later migrated to Kutch, where it flourished. However, an earthquake displaced many artisans to the village of Ajrakpur, now the center of ajrak production. Though traditionally made by hand, brass nails are now used in the block carving process. The ajrak holds cultural significance in Sindhi traditions and is presented as a sign of hospitality.

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    Ajrak: The Ancient Art of Fabric Printing

    Uploaded by

    M. USMAN KHAN
    145 views10 pages
    The ajrak is a traditional Sindhi textile made using block printing with natural dyes. The craft originated among the Khatri community in Sindh and later migrated to Kutch, where it flourished. However, an earthquake displaced many artisans to the village of Ajrakpur, now the center of ajrak production. Though traditionally made by hand, brass nails are now used in the block carving process. The ajrak holds cultural significance in Sindhi traditions and is presented as a sign of hospitality.

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    The ajrak is a traditional Sindhi textile made using block printing with natural dyes. The craft originated among the Khatri community in Sindh and later migrated to Kutch, where it flourished. However, an earthquake displaced many artisans to the village of Ajrakpur, now the center of ajrak production. Though traditionally made by hand, brass nails are now used in the block carving process. The ajrak holds cultural significance in Sindhi traditions and is presented as a sign of hospitality.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    145 views10 pages

    Ajrak: The Ancient Art of Fabric Printing

    Uploaded by

    M. USMAN KHAN
    The ajrak is a traditional Sindhi textile made using block printing with natural dyes. The craft originated among the Khatri community in Sindh and later migrated to Kutch, where it flourished. However, an earthquake displaced many artisans to the village of Ajrakpur, now the center of ajrak production. Though traditionally made by hand, brass nails are now used in the block carving process. The ajrak holds cultural significance in Sindhi traditions and is presented as a sign of hospitality.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Ajrak 

    The Ancient Art Of Fabric Printing


    Etymon
    • The Sindhi word ajrak (‫ )اجرڪ‬comes from Persian language ajar
    or ajor (‫ )اجر‬meaning brick and -ak (‫ )ک‬meaning little. In Persian
    -ak is a suffix which forms the diminutive.
    History

    • The Ajrak craft was practiced by the Khatri community,


    living in the banks of river Sindh (Indus in present-day
    Pakistan). In 16th century, these families migrated to Kutch
    when the King of Kutch recognized their craft and invited
    them to settle in the barren uninhabited land, along with
    dyers, printers, potters and embroiderers. These dyers
    were Khatri Brahmins initially but when due to their craft they
    felt the need to settled themselves near the river, so slowly
    and gradually they converted themselves to Islam and got
    mingled with the people of the village called Dhamadka.
    Designs of Block-printing
    • But as Almighty had some different plans for them so there came a
    massive earthquake in Kutch in 2001 due to which the block printers
    were forced to relocate. They settled in Ajrakpur, a village built in
    coordination with relief NGOs. As of now, there are over one
    hundred families living in Ajrakpur and 30 official block printing
    workshops. This has become a primary hub from where almost all of
    the families in Ajrakpur generate their principal income from. Today
    the Ajrak traditions are maintained in Kutch, and in Khavda,
    Dhamadka and Barmer in Rajasthan. The families of Ajrak work
    exclusively with natural dyes and make fabrics, dupattas, stoles, and
    sarees, etc. These materials are then sent to all domestic cities of
    India.
    Dyes
    • Ajrak craft products are made with natural dyes. The entire
    production of the products include both vegetable dyes and mineral
    dyes. Indigo is a key dye.

    o Natural dye products used in o Visual comparison of the


    Ajrak craft chemical and natural dyes used in
    Ajrak block print.
    Ajrak blocks
    • The most commonly observed pattern in Ajrak blocks and hence the
    fabric is dots between two lines, these dots are of same radius in
    almost all the design. These dots were initially carved out by hands,
    however later on brass nails were used to fill spaces between the two
    walls. This aspect is crucial in determining the expertise of the artisan.

    o Ajrak double bed-sheet


    Importance
    • The ajrak is an integral part of Sindhi culture. Its usage is evident at all
    levels of society, and is held in high esteem, with the utmost respect
    given to it. According to Sindhi traditions, ajraks are often presented
    as gifts of hospitality to guests and presented to the person who is
    utterly respectable. They are also worn on festive occasions such as
    weddings and cultural events. Many prominent politicians from Sindh
    publicly wear ajraks, including the deceased former Pakistani Prime
    Minister, Benazir Bhutto.
    Modern day use
    • Ajrak has now become increasingly popular amongst block print lovers. Post
    the earthquake, there has been an increase in the demand for Ajrak, moving
    its status from a local tribal caste dress to a catwalk worthy craft [7] This has
    led to a huge amount of funds and dedication from a range of brands being
    focused onto innovation in the block print. Newer colours have been
    developed, along with new blocks, techniques etc.[8]

    • Ajrak has predominantly been a craft using natural dyes, making it inherently
    expensive. However, with the increase in demand for fast fashion products
    and cheaper items, chemical dyes have been utilised in Ajrak products.
    Honour
    Sindhi Ajrak, along with Sindhi topi, is bestowed upon the guests as an
    honour.[6] This serves two purposes. First it makes the guest feel
    comfortable with the host. Secondly, it allows the guest to appreciate
    the Sindhi Culture.

    o American soldier wearing Ajrak

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