Saaj, Kasano, Khariyanu, Kat, Gach, Vichharnu and Rang, the words and the meanings to which the many of us wouldn't be familiar to but for the Khatri artisans of Ajrakhpur these words are the daily basis of their existence. These are the names of the back breaking processes which combine to create the lyrical symmetry printing pattern popularly known as Ajrakh. The Khatri artisans preserving this millennia-old tradition and technique of block print art Ajrakh, were invited by the erstwhile ruler of Kutch, Rao Bharmalji – I (1586–1631), from Sindh who gave them permission to settle and earn their livelihoods anywhere in Kutch. They were given land by the state as well as spared any taxation on their produce. Over time, the villages of Dhamadka and Khavda in Kutch became the primary centres of the craft, followed by Barmer in Rajasthan, which too became recognised as an important centre. After the devastating earthquake of 2001 in Bhuj, Dhamkada was destroyed completely and it changed the course of the river and altered the iron content in the water, which played a very important role in the process of dyeing and washing. The heavy destruction caused, resulted in the loss of property, livelihood and precious lives. With courage, resilience and spirit of strength to build afresh when all was lost, the Khatri community with the help of NGOs settled themselves in Ajrakhpur, a village proudly boasting many master craftsmen and national award-winning artisans as its inhabitants.
