Making an imprint

India's rich history and heritage are reflected in all of the block printing methods and tie-dye patterns that are used there. It takes a lot of creativity, skill, and work to maintain these printing processes relevant and fashionable around the world.

India is known for its rich heritage and culture. Indian handloom is also known well throughout the world for its richness, variety and quality. Because of the rich colours and region-specific weaves, Indian designs stand out from other prints. Indian textile is influenced by the designs found in nature, rural life, florals, animal prints and architecture. Many people might not be aware of it, but every Indian print has a story behind it. Yes, it is about a tradition that dates back thousands of years and has been carried on by artisans who still use natural raw materials to express their creativity today. We have a huge selection of prints thanks to the skilled artisans from all around the nation who pour their creativity onto fabric. No matter if they are working with flowers, animal designs, or abstracts, our artists and artisans strive to create something fresh each time they put their creative minds to work. Here is a collection of some of the most well-liked Indian prints that are available now.

Ajrakh

The ancient art of hand-block printing has its origins in the neighbouring Western Indian provinces of Gujarat and Rajasthan, as well as the modern-day Sindh. Natural dyes are used to create ajrakh prints, which are typically indigo blue and deep red. Symmetrical geometric features and black or white outlines help to clearly distinguish the designs. Given that one of the primary colours used in Ajrak printing is blue, it is possible that the term "Ajrak" derives from the Arabic word "Azrak," which means "blue." The average length of an ajrak is between 2.5 and 3 metres. A process known as resist printing is used to print the original Ajrak on both sides

Ikat

Ikat fabrics are always interesting, beautiful and in vogue. There is something about ikat that tends to always remain relevant, in contrast to other patterning styles that fade and are replaced. This situation is prevalent all around the world and throughout history, that Ikat fabrics do not get replaced. Ikat prints are made by tying and dying yarn segments, before they are woven into fabric which causes the apparent line blurring that is typical of Ikat prints. Ikat prints are made by craftsmen using a resist-dyeing technique that includes coating the fabric so that some sections are shielded from the colour. The manner in which the yarn was initially bound determines how the fabric's distinctive pattern is created.

Batik

Batik is a form of tie-dye that dates back over 2000 years. Batik prints initially appeared in Indonesia, and from there it expanded to other South Asian countries including India. The revival of Batik's significance in contemporary textiles is credited to an educational programme established at Shantiniketan University in Kolkata, West Bengal. To create Batik prints, melted wax is used to imprint the fabric in the resistance-dyeing method. Before dyeing the fabric, portions of it are first covered in wax. As a result, the waxed portions maintain their original colour and develop patterns around the coloured regions. With floral and ornamental themes, the print is repeating and frequently elaborate.

Bandhani

In Tamil and regional dialects, Bandhani is also known as Bandhej, Bandhni, Piliya, and Chungidi. The name "Bandhani" literally means "tie," which describes this bold print. A fabric is firmly tied into a number of tiny knots with a sealed thread to form a bandhani, which is then dyed. The small dotted or line patterns that are most frequently seen in Bandhani prints are the result of a complex weaving and dyeing technique. The bandhani technique of dyeing was introduced in India by the Khatri community of Gujarat and it dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Typically, it is decorated with patterns like stripes, dots, squares, or waves. Natural colours are the primary colours utilised in bandhani. Because Bandhani is a tie-and-dye procedure, the best colours and combinations are achievable because the dyeing is done by hand.

Bagh

Bagh printing is mainly practiced in Madhya Pradesh. The community of Muslim Khatris, who moved from Manawar to Bagh in 1962 and converted to Islam under the guidance of a Sufi saint, established Bagh printing. Bagh is a hand-block printing method that employs pigments and dyes from natural sources to produce a series of recurring patterns. Bagh prints frequently include floral, paisley, or geometric themes, with the colours black, white, and red taking centre stage. Bagh print designs are largely influenced by paintings of the Taj Mahal, flowers, and mushrooms, and the printing procedure may be applied to a range of materials, including cotton, silk, and chiffon.

Dabu

Mud-resist hand-block printing is used to produce another traditional print that is native to specific regions of Rajasthan and this printing style is called Dabu. The sections before and after an indigo bath are blocked out by a murky mixture of gum, lime, and beaten wheat chaff, creating a distinctive pattern. Despite the time-consuming procedure, Dabu print has reemerged in recent years as a popular ethnic print. This pattern is typically found in deep blue and indigo tones with plant or flower designs in either white or the natural colour of the fabric.

Kalamkari

Kalamkari is the most popular Indian textile print. The term "Kalamkari," which means "pen art" in literal terms, first appeared in regions of Iran before spreading to Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat. Kalamkari is one of the most exquisite and beautiful textile printing methods used in India. It involves either block printing or hand printing with organic dyes. In the past, only natural colours were used to create kalamkari art. Modern art includes elaborate florals, animal prints, and freehand abstracts that take experienced artisans' months to create. Indian mythology had a significant role in the inspiration for this print, with themes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata being among the most frequently encountered ones.

Leheriya

You've probably seen dupattas recently that have this lovely wavy pattern all over them. This style is called leheriya and it is a traditional tie-and-dye printing method from Rajasthan. In this technique, the artisans use resist dyeing to produce fluttering striped designs on a variety of vibrant materials. The name refers to the diagonal or chevron wave pattern structure that is frequently used in Leheriya prints. However, you may incorporate this print into your wardrobe in the shape of dupattas, dresses, sarees, or kurtis. Leheriya sarees are incredibly famous in Rajasthani traditional clothing. Five distinct colours were employed in the past, and natural dyes were the preferred colour source.