What is Block Printing? A Guide to Indian Textile Traditions
From Bagru to Sanganer, explore the rich history and regional styles of India's most famous textile art.
Block printing is an ancient textile art where designs are carved into wooden blocks, dipped in dye, and stamped onto fabric by hand. While practiced globally, India—specifically Rajasthan and Gujarat—is the undisputed heartland of this craft.
Different regions boast distinct styles. **Sanganeri** prints, from near Jaipur, are famous for delicate, fine-lined floral motifs (butis) printed on pure white backgrounds. **Bagru** prints use natural dyes (like indigo and madder) and mud-resist techniques (Dabu) on darker backgrounds. **Ajrakh**, practiced in Kutch and Sindh, is a complex geometric style involving up to 14 stages of dyeing and printing. By understanding these traditions, you're not just buying a piece of fabric; you're preserving centuries of specialized knowledge.