Created using handcrafted methods
Biodegradable or environment friendly
From the land of Sindh comes a unique block printing technique - The Ajrakh Block Printing. The process involves many days and each layer of color is printed after a gap of time, so the cloth has to stay for the day ‘Aaj ke din rakh’ (Keep it for today), before the next process can begin. Majid Khatri , an artisan belonging to the Budhajima family has been practicing this craft for the past 30 years in his village Dhamadka, Kutch. It is believed that about 400 years ago, a group of Khatris settled in Dhamadka, and started practicing this craft. This is said to be the roots of the art form that has taken over the region now. Majid Khatri’s brand, Teenaro promotes this age-old block printing method and generates livelihood for the Khatri community of Kutch.
Purpose
Teenaro as a brand aims to generate livelihood for the Khatri community by the method of Ajrakh block printing. They believe in adopting environmentally friendly methods, and in adding value to the textile industry by adopting handmade and sustainable techniques. They use natural dyes and mordants, which are derived from plants and minerals. The blocks are carved by hand, and the dyes are applied by hand using the same blocks. They aim to bring a change by using natural processes of dyeing.
People
Majid Khatri, a change artisan was born into the Khatri Community of Dhamadka, a small village in Kutch Gujarat. The Khatri community which earlier used to reside in Sindh is known for practicing the Ajrakh craft. The Khatris migrated to Kutch from Sindh in the 16th century. Majid Khatri’s forefathers were involved in this art for many generations but later, due to irregular income, his father had to leave the craft practice and start working as a tailor. However, Majid saw opportunities in digital platforms and started to create new products with his own designs. “Ms Ajrakh” was started by him and today is joined by his young sons Riyaz and Jabir Khatri. There are presently 15 artisans working under Ms Ajrakh. Ajrakh is the traditional attire of the Maldhari (cattle herders/Pastoral) community in the desert regions of Kutch, the men wear it as a lungi (wrapped lower garment), as a turban, or put it on their shoulders.
Planet
Ajrakh printing stands as an environmentally friendly and culturally rich textile tradition that demonstrates the importance of preserving traditional craftsmanship while reducing the otherwise hazardous impacts of textile production on the environment. Traditional 'Ajrakh' involves around 16 stages of dyeing and resist printing using natural dyes and mordants. These dyes are derived from plants such as indigo, madder and turmeric. Even the blocks that are used are made from wood and carved by hand. These blocks are carved with intricate symmetrical patterns so that the same block can be used for both sides of the cloth. By incorporating eco-friendly materials, his products play a constructive role in reducing the carbon footprint on the environment.
