Know More about the World-Famous Hand Block Printing Of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is blessed with various communities that are engaged in some sort of art and craft for several centuries. One such community is Chhipa community of Rajasthan. The members of this community are engaged in block printing for several generations. So skilled are these artisans in their art that even the modern machine-printed textiles could not hamper their success. Though it did negatively impact the demand for traditionally hand-printed   textiles, the artisans soon modified the designs to pace with the time. 

Earlier limited only to the rural or traditional Rajasthan attire, the artisans also started using these block prints on modern wear like kurtis. Encouraged by the success of their endeavor artisans also started using block prints on western wears like skirts and tops. It helped a long way in reviving this ancient traditional technique of hand printing.

Water has to play a vital role in the whole process of hand block printing. Most of the hand block hubs can be found near like Bagru, Barmer, Sanganer Akola, Jodhpur etc. Out of the above Sanganer is the most prominent center of hand block printing.

In fact, Sanganer is the name synonymous with hand block printing. Many people believe that the origins of hand block printing in Rajasthan can be traced to Sanganer region. In fact Sanganer prints were exported to European countries as early as 16th and 17th centuries.

In fact some legends say that the repetitive wars between Mughals and Marathas affected Gujarat very badly and there was turmoil. It had an obvious effect on art and economy too. Thus Gujarati artists decided to migrate to a place that is not very far from Gujarat and is full of peace. Rajasthan was the natural choice as Rajputs has amicable relations with Mughals and thus there was a great amount of peace here as compared to many other states.

But Gujarat artists got more than what they required. Being connoisseur themselves, the Rajput kings were impressed by the artistic excellence of Gujarati artisans and craftsmanship. The rulers wholeheartedly patronize them and allowed them to live in Sanganer. Hand block printing was very famous in Gujarat too. So in the collaboration of Gujarati artisans the local artisans of Rajasthan developed their own local printing patterns and techniques. Over a period of time they evolved and developed unique techniques that resulted in refined designs matching the highest standards of aesthetics.

Sanganeri prints make the finest use of floral designs and are characterized by fine lines combined with intricate detailed pattern. Geometric designs are equally used for deigning.

The prints re dyes using only the natural colors that add a unique "organic" look of the textiles.

One of the most famous styles of Sanganer is Calico print that is used in Block Printed Cotton Kurtis, quilts, saris and bed covers. This is a very demanding yet creative process. The artisans first print the outlines and then they carefully fill in the colors to present the most aesthetically refined look. Using bold patterns the printing process is repeated in diagonal rows.

The Rajputs were closely associated with Mughals. In fact inter-marriages were also common between Rajputs and Mughals. So one can see mughal influence on Rajasthan’s art too and hand block printing is not an exception here. There are many elaborate, fine designs heavily influenced by Mughal School of art.

Hand block printing is used on various products including but not limited to:

·         Traditional sarees

·         Dupattas (Indian veil-like cloth piece worn on traditional Salwar suits and kurtis)

·         Salwar-kameez

·         Curtains

·         Bed cover

·         Scarves

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Indian Designer Kurtis: Glamour Blended with Elegance

Indian women are world famous for their natural beauty and the country offers a wide range of aesthetic products for enhancing their natural beauty. Kurti is one among them. This elegant attire not only adds certain glamour to a women appearance but also maintain their feminine grace. No wonder then, that apart from India these Designer Kurtis are now increasingly patronized in western countries too.

Fashion is the word that is closely associated with women. There are variety of designer women wears available in the market but none can match the elegance and versatility provided by designer kurtis. Apart from giving an elegant, graceful look to the women, kurtis also enhance their feminine glamour.

In fact there are many things that make kurtis the best choice for women:

Comfort

No other designer modern dress can offer the comfort level as provided by kurtis. To look modern, one can wear a skimpy skirt that understandably hampers the natural movements while also giving a vulgar look. Because of their regular look Jeans cannot be called designer wear. But Kurtis, because of their high level of elegance and modern, chic enhance your appearance and give you a modern look. They are also easy to wear and comfortable to manage while you are walking, sitting or dancing on latest music.

The most decent way to highlight your curves

In fact wearing kurtis is the best way to highlight your feminine curves without any skin show. If you are blessed with the ideal, curvy body then you can consider wearing Anarkali that not only adds added elegance to your figure but also helps you to proudly highlight the curvaceous parts of your body like chiseled waist. Can you ever think of highlighting your curves wearing western designer wear? Even if you can, it will look more vulgar than glamorous.

Suitable for every occasion

Another feature of kurtis is that they can be worn on to multiple occasions. For traditional functions like festivals or auspicious thread ceremony you can wear simple, elegant straight kurtis complemented with traditional jewelry while for a chic event like college festival you can opt for the modern, Thigh length kirtis that have perfect western appearance.

However there are certain things that you need to consider while choosing the right kurti for you:

1. If you are very tall then avoid wearing short kurtis as they will highlight your height. You can go for ankle length Anarkalis or Pakistani Kurtis.

2. For those with petite structure wearing knee length kurtis is highly advisable as they will give you a general look without highlighting your short structure

3. If you want to attend the functions that require you to sweat heavily (Bollywood Dance on College Fest, Anyone?) then Designer Cotton Kurtis  India would be the best pick for you as they give your skin the required breathing space.

4. Make sure that you wear the right kind of footwear to complement your kurti. Wearing flats on Pakistani ankle length kurtis would not look great while wearing high heels on short kurtis would not be recommendable. A rule of the thumb to follow here is: longer the kurti higher the heel.

5. Many women ignore the health issues while wearing kurti. That is a wrong practice. In fact you should be very concerned about your skin health. Wearing Georgette or Nylon kurtis even f they 

irritate your skin, just because of their fashionable looks is not a sane thing to do. Always consider your skin health while wearing a kurti for any occasion. In most of the cases Cotton Kurti are considered the best because of their skin-friendly nature.

There are many Designer Cotton Kurtis India  has to offer. Market but one should consider 3 things while choosing the kurti for her: fashion, comfort and occasion. For instance, a short kurti would look nice on petite women but it will not suit tall women. So you need to be highly careful while wearing the kurti on any occasion to look your best.

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