Bagru,
a village near Jaipur, is an international hub for block printed fabrics. The
century old traditional art of block printing, unique and painstaking in its
nature has been marvellously sustained by the dedicated efforts of the local
Chipa community.
Bagru
is a village in Rajasthan, very close to Jaipur the capital city of the state,
on the Jaipur-Ajmer Road.
It
is famous for its unique Bagru Prints.
Bagru
Prints are known for their unique use of Natural Dyes and Hand Block Printing.
Wooden
Hand Blocks are blocks of wood with holding grips on one side and a flat smooth
surface or pressing side with design engraved on it. Designs engraved are
transferred to the fabric by filling colours in the etched cavities and giving
a sharp hit to the pressed block on the cloth.
This
tradition of block printing is practised by the Chhipa community in the village
and they have been doing so since the last century. They are also adept in the
art of preparation and use of vegetable dyes, and indigo dyeing. Despite
changing trends in the colouring of the fabric, the community has continued the
use of natural dyes mostly in earthy shades for their printing work.
Initially
the entire quantity of cotton cloth or fabric, normally a sizeable bundle
received, has to be cut in desired sizes. This is based on the nature of the
fabric; saree, bedspread, dupatta or whatever, according to the individual
measurements provided and in the numbers specified.
The
two-fold process of dyeing and block printing then begins.
The
fabric is pre-washed and soaked for several hours together to allow for dirt,
oil and other contaminants to separate out. It starts with the smearing of the
fabric or cloth too be dyed, with Fuller’s Earth, brought from the riverside
and then dipping it in turmeric water. Fuller’s Earth washed away imparts a
creamish colour to the fabric.
Then
it is soaked in the solution of Harda or fruit of the myrobalan plant and dried
in the sun which gives it a yellowish cream hue. This is a unique feature of
Bagru Prints and the process is instrumental for the colour fastness of the
Print dyes that would be applied.
The
fabric is then printed with natural dyes or colorants which are derived from
plants and animals. Different blocks with different colours are used for the
outer, the outline and the inner filling in the design. Incidentally a majority
of the natural dyes are from plants and hence Bagru Prints are also referred to
as ‘eco-friendly’ prints.
The
primary colours of red, green, blue and yellow are available from the following
substances. Blue is available from
Indigo, with desired shade got from increasing the concentration or diluting
it. Green is available through indigo mixed with pomegranate. Red is through
the Madder Root, while yellow is from turmeric.
After
the fabric is completely block printed it is dried and later put in vats of
boiling water containing alum and other agents. The solution with fabric in it
is constantly stirred to prevent sticking to any portion of the vessel. The
process is complete with the fabric being washed again to remove excess colour
and any other sticking impurities.
Hand
Block Printing using these natural colours is done mostly on fabrics with large
canvas such as sarees, quilts, bed covers, though pillow covers, turbans and
other smaller items of cloth also are taken up. Themes are generally floral
prints, geometrical shapes etc.
Bagru
prints are done on off-white, ivory white or beige background sarees. Motifs of
circular designs, flowers, fruits, birds create allure on fabrics like crepe,
georgette, chiffon, silk, cotton. Exotic Bagru prints are quite popular on south handloom cotton saris woven with zari borders.
The
Designer Dupioni
Silk Sari with big and bold Bagru prints accentuated with zari embroidery, and
mirror work is an enchanter. It would serve well for functions, marriages and
special occasions.
The
Rajasthani
Silk Saree of ethnic Bagru with big and bold motifs and geometrical prints
on the pallu is an eye-catcher. This stylish wear is apt for college parties,
corporate office and family get-togethers.
The
Fancy Georgette
Crepe Silk Saris of floral patterns and embellished with kundans, sequins
and beads, looks very gorgeous. It would be a good choice for festivals, grand
parties and special invites.
Unnati silks, the largest ethnic online
Indian shop offers exquisite designer Bagru
Printed Saris for online sale. Our Online shopping store has the
widest range of rich Indian Sarees and Salwar kameez. At Unnati Silks, you can
buy unique, exclusive collection at affordable price.
Unnati
has a unique range of fusion salwar kameez where trending designs, patterns and
colors have been incorporated in traditional styles of fabric manufacturers,
and available in retail and wholesale.
You
can purchase online at Unnati silks and the products will be dispatched within
24 working hours of placing the order. We have free
shipping and Cash on Delivery (COD) facility
for Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Ernakulum, Delhi,
Chandigarh, Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur and many other Indian cities. We also do Worldwide express shipping to countries like
Australia, United States Of America(USA), United Kingdom (UK), United Arab
Emirates(UAE), Australia, United States of America (USA), Adelaide, Black Town,
Brisbane, Gold coast, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Alabama, Arizona, California,
Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New
Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia,
Washington, Barking, Birmingham, Leicester, London, Manchester, Canada, France,
Germany, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan,
Singapore, South Africa, South America, Sri Lanka and Sweden.
Shop online Block Printed Sarees,
Please visit
Buy online fabulous Indian ethnic sarees,
click here
UNNATI SILK PRINTS PVT. LTD, #3-4-360, Vajra Complex,
General Bazar (Tobacco Bazar), M.G.Road, Hyderabad-500003.AP,India.
040-64555251.
UNNATI SILK PRINTS PVT. LTD, Satyabhama Complex,
Bhagyanagar Colony, Kukatpally. Hyderabad, India.
