Ajrakh Block Print

The beautiful block print of an ajrakh saree is popular for its appealing patterns and intricate designs. To understand this popularity, let’s go back to the origin of ajrakh sarees. The extravagant print of ajrakh originated in the Sindh region. Later, from Gujarat’s Ajrakhpur these sarees came close to our roots. However, performing this art requires a lot of skills. The different colors used in ajrakh print represent various symbols. All of the colors represent the beautiful aspects of nature. 

Ajrakh: An ancient craft of hand-block printing

The unique feature of ajrakh is that it is hand-block printed on both sides of the fabric. The impressions match perfectly. It makes the cloth reversible. The artisans make sure that the same depth of print and color remains on both sides. It requires hard work and patience as the pattern must match perfectly on both sides. Creating an ajrakh is not an easy job. It is a long and laborious process of resisting printing. There are 16 stages of processing that a fabric has to go through. Also, there are multiple printing and dyeing. So, it takes a month to produce. There are geometric patterns that get printed with wooden blocks and dyed in madder or alizarin red and indigo blue. We use natural mineral and vegetable dyes to create the colors. Meenakari ajrak is popular for deeper and more vibrant colors. This fabric gets printed again in alum, and selected areas are over-printed with resist paste before you dye again in the indigo bath. 

The art of hand-block printing has been practiced in India for more than 4500 years. During the excavations at the sites of the Indus Valley Civilization, searchers discovered block printing on cotton cloth in geometric patterns. It is possibly one of the oldest printing methods in the entire Indian subcontinent. Traders at the Indus Valley Civilization used to export large quantities of coarsely woven and indigo-dyed fabrics to the Persian Gulf, by the sea route to Egypt and Babylon. Egyptians used to wrap mummies in this blue cloth. Printed textiles in geometric patterns that resemble the Kutch prints have been discovered at the Red Sea ports at Fostat near Cairo. The Newberry Collection at the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford has over 1225 pieces of resist printing and mordant dyed fabrics. 

It is believed that the word ajrakh comes from the word azarukh, meaning blue in Arabic and Persian. Also, ajrakh is believed to have the universe or the sky as its theme. The blue design symbolizes the sky, the red implies twilight, and the black indicates night. And the white motifs present throughout the fabric are like stars on a dark night.

Why do women like tussar ajrakh saree?

Women like ajrakh saree for several reasons. Its unique design is the most important reason. If you search ajrakh sarees online, you will get to know that ajrakh block print sarees feature unique and intricate designs that you can’t see in other types of sarees. The patterns and motifs are typically inspired by nature and geometric shapes. These make each saree unique. Ajrakh block print sarees are typically made by hand using traditional technologies that are in the system over many generations. This is why the artisanal quality of these ajrakh print saree is very high. These tussar ajrakh sarees are often made from soft and comfortable fabrics such as silk. This makes it easy and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. We’ve seen that many women are drawn to ajrakh saree because it is made using eco-friendly processes and materials. We use natural dye to print our sarees which are typically derived from plants and minerals. Ajrakh sarees can be dressed up and down. However, it depends on the occasion. You can pair them up with traditional jewelry and accessories for a formal event. A simple blouse gives you a more casual look.

How to identify an authentic ajrakh tussar silk saree?

In this era of duplication, it is important for you to know how to identify an authentic ajrakh saree. Here are some tips to help you to identify an authentic saree.

1. Look for traditional ajrakh patterns: Ajrakh sarees generally have geometric designs such as squares, dots, and triangles arranged in repeating patterns. These are mainly nature-inspired patterns and may include motifs like leaves, flowers, and birds.

2. Take a close look at the fabric: The ajarkh sarees that we produce are all silk fabric. The fabric should feel soft and smooth to the touch, with a slight sheen. It also should be breathable and comfortable to wear.

3. Check the colors: Ajrakh sarees have bold and vibrant colors. We use natural dye. Ajrakh prints generally have rich hues of blue, red, green, and yellow.

4. Look for block printing: Block-printed ajrakh sarees use wooden blocks that are carved with intricate designs. Check the saree for variations in the printing, as this is a sign of authentic block printing.

5. Look for the signature border: Ajrakh saree has a signature border that is wider than the rest of the saree. When you search ajrakh sarees online, you’ll realize that this border may feature intricate patterns and designs that are unique to the tradition. 

6. Look for tags: Many authentic ajrakh sarees have tags or labels that ensure their origin and authenticity. For example, our sarees are all silk mark certified. So, when you buy from us, you don’t need to worry about the authenticity of the saree.

Why Ramdhanu?

Ramdhanu Ethnic is a well-established store. We bring to you the best collection of the finest quality ajrakh sarees which are carefully hand-crafted. If you search ajrakh sarees online, you will find sarees that have rich and royal textures and looks. 

In order to fulfill your desires, you should choose something unique. We give attractive discounts on our sarees that are unique and will surely impress you. Come and explore our collection of ajrakh print saree to your heart’s content.