India's History Of Block Printing

Meaning of Block Printing

Block printing refers to the use of hand-cut wooden blocks for printing purposes. Special types of block printing are done on cloth or paper to augment the ethnic appeal of what’s being made. Artisans use wooden blocks to print attractive patterns on cloth. The artistic appeal of doing this by hand is unmatched and hand block print fabric is one of the most sought-after textiles in the world for its traditional appeal.

It is a traditional and ancient art form in which printing is done on paper, fabric and some other materials with the help of natural colours and vegetable dyes. In many places, Block Printing is as popular as Woodblock Printing, Hand Block Printing, Or Woodcut Printing. The process involves carving the required designs on blocks and using natural colours and dyes to print them on different fabrics.

Origin of Block Printing

When we talk about the history of block printing, it is said to have originated in China and subsequently, it became extremely popular across the world; widely being practised in East Asia.
Interestingly, the earliest record of block printing isn’t on cloth, but on a book known as Diamond Sutra. 
The book is kept for display at the British Museum in London. Block printing made major inroads in India during the Mughal period and over the years, the Indian block print fabric has become an endearing textile choice for people across the globe. 

History Of Block Printing

For over 500 years block printing has been practiced in Rajasthan, India. However, the history of block printing goes back to the 12th century when block-printing designs on fabric were enjoyed by the royal Queen and King. This was also the reason why hand-block printing enjoyed royal patronage for a long time.

It was the Chippa Community of the Bagru District in Rajasthan that brought to light the block printing techniques on fabric. 

The technique of hand block printing has introduced several printing forms such as Sanganeri Block Print, Bagru Block Print, Ajrakh Block Print, Kalamkari Block Print, and Dabru Block Print. Having passed down from generation to generation, Rajasthani Block print has a massive market of unorganised textiles which includes kurtis, quilts, bedsheets, shirts, scarves etc.

Process of Block Printing Tools Used In Block Printing

Wooden Tray And Wooden Block 

Wooden blocks are an integral tool of hand block printing. In this style of block printing, the artisan uses dyed and carved wood blocks which he presses on the fabric to make beautiful designs, patterns and prints. If you look at any Chanderi salwar Suit, note that the beautiful patterns are printed by skilled artists using wooden blocks and both mineral and vegetable dyes.

Another important tool used by artists for block printing is the wooden tray. The tray is used by artists to spread the colour all over the fabric. Th key point here is to buy a premium quality bed cover and wooden tray that would ensure an even and complete distribution of the colour all over the fabric.

Printing Table And Pad

Another popular tool used for block printing is the Printing Table. It is similar to a desk and is used to practice block printing. The artisans use this table to place their fabric and then use their tools to print on the fabric and make intricate patterns and designs. While the printing tray is a tool that is used to spread the colour in the tray.

Brushes and Pins

Pins and brushes are not directly used for printing. However, while printing on a chanderi fabric, pins help to keep the fabric in place on the table and brushes are used to clean it. 

Wood Planer and Hand Drill

Wood Planner and hand Drill are important tools of hand block printing. While a wood planner helps to soften the surface of wood, a hand drill on the other part carves the rough edges and parts of wood.

Techniques of Block Printing

We have included a list of tools and techniques that are used in various types of dyeing techniques in India : 

• Ajrak 

Ajrak print denotes the local culture and heritage. The wooden blocks are used to create geometric designs and only natural or vegetable dyes are used in this process. 

• Bagh

For Bagh's painting, geometric designs are made with bright colours. For this printing process, the fabric undergoes a ‘Bhatti process’ that entails boiling, drying and subsequent printing. 

• Kalamkari 

For Kalamkari, the fabric is stiffened and dried. After that, different prints are carried out as per the design. Wax is used for dyeing blue colour whereas all other colours are hand-painted. 

• Dabu 

This form of printing is a rather cumbersome process and the fabric is made to go through various phases of washing, printing, mud resistance and then drying. 

• Bandhani 

For Bandhani, the fabric is plucked using fingernails. These bindings are then dyed. Bandhani fabrics are brightly coloured and they are characterised by little dots on the fabric. 

Types Block Printing

iTokri is an online portal that has aggregated traditional art forms and one such exhibition on the website is a bespoke range of different kinds of Indian block print. 

Ajrakh Block Printing

Ajrak is one of the most famous types of block printing. Ajrakh block printing relies on the use of natural vegetable dyes. It is characterised by crimson red and indigo hues as the background on the printed cloth. This form of block printing is very prevalent in Gujarat, Kutch, Rajasthan and Sindh, Pakistan.

Akola Block Printing

This kind of block printing is widely practised in the Udaipur region of Rajasthan. This traditional art form relies mainly on the ‘Dabu’ art which means ‘to press’. The patterns used for Akola block printing are inspired by nature and other traditional objects.

Bagh Block Printing

Bagh is a traditional Indian block print that originated in the Bagh district of Madhya Pradesh. The colours used for dyeing this hand block print fabric are all natural colours and they pivot mainly around. Red and black. The Bagh block print cotton-dyed dupatta from iTokri can be a great addition to your wardrobe if you are looking for something ethnic to amplify the appeal of your outfits.

Bagru Block Printing

Bagru block printing is a special kind of block-printed fabric that is done using a ‘Chippa’ and natural colours. The design is engraved on the wooden block and then engraved on the fabric. The Bagru block printing cotton men's full sleeves shirts on iTokri is a super smart and traditional men’s shirt that can spruce up your wardrobe in no time.

Batik Block Printing

Batik block printing originated in Indonesia and it entails printing a design on cotton fabric using wooden blocks dipped in paraffin wax. It is a cumbersome task because the wax is resistant to dyes and it has to be removed in order to allow the artisan to add colour to the cloth.

Kalamkari Block Printing

Kalamkari is a special hand-painted textile that is produced in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. There are twenty-three steps involved in the making of this special Indian block print fabric and there are two types of Kalamkari fabric known as Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam.
The Pedana Kalamkari Block Printing Cotton Double Bed Cover from iTokri can add oodles of charm to your home decor.

Kutch Block Printing

Kutch black printed fabric usually involves printing a similar design on fabric using different techniques including the famous Ajrakhi prints. This special block printing technique originated in Kutch nearly four hundred years ago and it has amassed a huge fan following ever since. 

Pipad Block Printing

This Pipad block printing involves the use of wooden blocks for printing with nails protruding from them. Various kinds of floral, traditional and geometrical designs are printed with natural dyes using this technique.

Sanganeri Block Printing

This type of hand block printing technique is practised in the Sanganeri district of Rajasthan. Primarily, red and yellow colours are used for this kind of block printing and the motifs/designs are usually inspired by nature. Moreover, the dyes used in Sanganeri block printing are natural dyes.

Conclusion

India enjoys cultural affluence and therefore our traditional art forms and handicrafts are a name to reckon with in the global market. The famous Indian block print is one of the most popular and age-old art forms that pays tribute to the impeccable skill of the artisans who have perfected their respective craft over generations. 

FAQ:

Does woodblock printing history originate from the Chippa community in Rajasthan who brought and propagated this special hand block printing technique in India including Bagru hand block print, Sanganeri block print etc. 

Block printing is said to have originated in China and the first known administration of this type of printing was not on cloth, but on a book known as Diamond Sutra. 

Block printing originated from the Chippa community in a place known as Bagru in Rajasthan. 

There are three main types of block printing in India: direct printing, discharge printing and resist printing.

Sheesham wood is used for Indian block printing. Each block in every colour is used to put together a beautiful and concise design. 

Saffron, yellow, blue and red is mainly used for block printing. This form of printing is used to create rich and colourful prints. 

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