Indian Prints and Patterns: Our Mesmerizing Heritage
Steeped in culture, the heritage of India is a marvel. Known for its abundance of Gods and Goddesses, and diverse culture, it is no wonder that the Handloom Industry in India is booming. The richness and purity of the textile in the country is unmatched, but it is not just the quality of the fabric which makes Indian textiles stand out. Inspired by nature and the diverse landscape across the country, the Indian prints and pattern have inspired art across the globe. Let’s take a look at some Indian print names, and find out what they actually mean.
- Bandhani: The Indian Tie-dye
Tie-dye seems to be all the rage now? The Indian Bandhani has been around for long before uses an extremely complex tie-dyeing technique which results in fine prints and patterns for your festive dresses. Existing in even 5,000 years ago, the earliest evidence of Bandhani prints can be found in the Ajanta caves. Today, it is not just used for dresses, but accessories as well.
- Ajrakh Prints: Unique Block Prints
Believed to have originated with the Mohenjo-Daro civilization, the Ajrakh printing technique uses motifs in bold colours such as black, yellow and crimson. It is a woodblock printing technique which gives rise to geometric patterns, which can be quite intricate placed together.
- Batik Prints: The Art of Wax-dyeing
Dey-resistant is used for the intricate batik designs that you cannot get enough of. Depending on the region they come from, the Batik print can tell a different story, with the motifs signifying various things. The dye-resistant wax is used to paint complex patterns on the fabric, and then washed away to reveal stunning imagery.
- Dabu: Mud resistant dyeing
Using the elements of nature is typical to the Indian prints and pattern industry. Though the Dabu is among the many types of block printing in India, what makes it unique is the various phases of washing and using mud resistant technique. It is still practiced in many areas of Rajasthan, and has stood the test of time. Typically, this technique is used to print motifs inspired by nature, such as plants or flowers, on various Indian textile.
- Sanganeri: Complex hand printing
Block printing is one of the most common types of textile printing in India. However, the Sanganeri print does not produce your run of the mill designs and involves a complex procedure. This technique, too, originates in Rajasthan and is used to make home décor items as well. The technique involves laying the fabric down and using a hand printing technique to print different patters n across the fabric. The cloth is generally marked ahead to ensure the symmetry of the work.
While the names of the Indian prints all around may elude you at times, it is easy to see how distinct they are. India’s prints and patterns industry use techniques which have been passed down from generations, but have never lost their charm or beauty. What makes Indian ethnic wear stand out are not just the colours, but the elegant patterns that dot it as well.