Ensures fair living wage for producers
Discloses the community being impacted
Reduces the environmental impact
Focusses on women producers
Created using handcrafted methods
Reduces/Reuses/
Recycles resources
Recycles resources
Made out of responsible materials
Avoids use of chemicals or toxic materials
Purpose
In 1825, a Mussala (prayer cloth) crafted by Rangrej Rehman—an ancestor of Iqbal Ahmed Khatri—stood as a stunning example of Rogan art, blending distinctly Islamic themes with ornamental influences from Hindu tradition. This harmonious fusion of cultures, adapted by local wax cloth workers in Kutch, laid the foundation for a legacy that continues through Iqbal and his son, Wasim Iqbal Khatri. Together, they founded Rangrej Rogan Art to preserve and revitalize this 300-year-old textile tradition. Using a castor oil-based paste called "rogan" and natural pigments, the duo creates intricate designs that once adorned bridal wear and ceremonial textiles. Beyond creating art, they are deeply committed to teaching the craft, training a new generation of artisans and ensuring the sustainability of this eco-friendly heritage. Their work not only honors the past but breathes new life into an endangered cultural treasure—keeping Rogan art alive, relevant, and rooted in tradition.
People
Rogan art, traditionally practiced by the Khatri family of Kutch, is more than a 300-year-old textile craft—it’s a bridge between cultural heritage and community empowerment. As demand for handcrafted, meaningful art has grown, this once lesser-known practice has found new audiences among collectors, designers, and tourists. With its resurgence, Rogan art has created vital livelihood opportunities for artisans in remote villages, especially in a region where economic alternatives are limited. By passing down techniques within families and training new artisans, the craft has become a source of both pride and income. The precision and patience required fosters deep respect for craftsmanship, while its unique origins and eco-friendly methods resonate with socially conscious consumers. Today, Rogan art is not only preserving a legacy but also uplifting communities—fostering employment, sustaining traditions, and giving artisans a global platform for their voices and skills to be recognized and celebrated.
Planet
Rogan art offers not just cultural richness, but a significant environmental advantage in today’s world of mass-produced, chemically treated textiles. Made using a paste derived from castor oil—a locally grown, renewable resource—and tinted with natural pigments, the craft generates minimal waste and has a near-zero carbon footprint. Unlike industrial printing techniques, Rogan art requires no electricity, synthetic dyes, or harmful solvents. The process is entirely manual and biodegradable, honoring nature through both material and method. By continuing this ancient practice, artisans like Iqbal Ahmed Khatri and his son Wasim are actively promoting a sustainable model of craft—one that conserves resources, reduces pollution, and exemplifies the synergy between tradition and environmental responsibility.
