Weaves and Crafts of India — Ajrakh

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...