Block Printing in India- A Complete Guide

The history of block printing in India holds a place of pride. The famous art of creating a handmade design by dyeing and printing the fabric with the help of wooden blocks has been done for the ages. The popular handcrafted art is famous with various names such as woodblock printing, woodcut printing or hand block printing. These block printing techniques have many variations and different printing names. Whether you can call Ajrakh block printing of Gujarat or Dabu or Sanganer print of Rajasthan, each image showcases a different history, story and heritage. The majority of block printing production is done in India, and thus it is the largest manufacturer of Indian woodblock printing fabric worldwide. 

History of Block Printing in India

If we talk about the complete history of block printing, the oldest signs of the Indian block print were found at various Egypt sites. On the other side, Talking about the recorded history, the block printing is said to date back to the time of the Indus valley civilization. 

It is also said that block printing was not popular in the past, but it flourished in India and the world during the Mughal age. They were also responsible for introducing the beautiful floral design and the intricate motifs. 

The intricate motifs and floral designs were widely popular in Rajasthan, along with the printing and dyeing process. Later on, with time, they were adopted by the artisans of Gujarat. 

Presently the history of block print is not limited to these two states. The block printing on the fabric is practiced in Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Maharastra. 

Process of Block printing 

The complete procedure of block printing is a simple yet time-consuming process for the artisans who have been doing this for ages. The wooden block are carved in various asymmetrical designs. The block is later dipped into natural colors and then pressed on the fabric to form beautiful patterns. 

Carving of the Wooden Blocks 

A paper design is usually inspired by the Sanganer or Mughal print carved on a woodblock. Every section of the carving is done differently for various patterns of colors. 

Pre Washing and Dyeing of Fabric 

The artisan then prewashes and dyes the fabric in the solution of the naturally dyed color. Once the prewashing of the material is completed, the next step is printing designs. 

Natural and Vegetable dyes preparation 

Once the wooden block is carved, the artisans prepare the dyes, which have to be printed on the fabric. The color is prepared in a flat wooden tray, and the wooden block is then dipped in color each time before printing it on the fabric. 

Printing process

The printed fabric is then spread over the table or area properly. The complete process of dying and printing, again and again, is time-consuming and requires alot of energy and patience. 

Washing and Drying 

After the dyeing and printing process, the fabric is washed with clean water and hung to dry in the sunlight, which helps reduce the carbon footprint and makes it sustainable and durable. 

Popular Block Printing in India 

There are a variety of block printings in India. These prints date back from the ages and vary from state to state. 

1. Bagh Print From Madhya Pradesh 

2. Kalamkari Print from Andhra Pradesh 

3. Ajrakh Print and Bandhani Print from Gujarat 

4. Dabu Print and Sanganeri Print from Rajasthan 

5. Batik Print 

Best Place to Buy Block Printing Clothes in India 

The Ajrakh block printing clothes are worn major during spring and summer, which means they are made on the base of cotton and mulmul fabric. Various brands are specialized in selling handmade block printing clothes in India, but if you want to buy the best Ajrakh prints clothes, you can visit Kutchi Bazaar. They are based out of Gujarat and sell the best handmade Ajrakh print design. You can also visit their website and Buy Ajrakh Silk Saree Online; they also have beautiful designer Ajrakh shawls, Stoles and Dupattas.