THE TIMELESS LEGACY OF SANGANERI PRINTS OF RAJASTHAN

Sanganer, a small town near Jaipur in Rajasthan, is known for its centuries-old tradition of hand block printing. The town's famous Sanganeri prints are easily recognized by their fine floral designs, light colors, and the use of natural dyes. This craft, practiced for generations, combines beauty and skill to create fabrics that tell stories of Rajasthan's rich culture. More than just textiles, Sanganeri prints reflect the creativity, patience, and dedication of the artisans who have kept this heritage alive for hundreds of years.

- TDG NETWORK

The story of Sanganeri prints dates back to the 17th century, during the reign of the Mughal Empire. The art form is believed to have been introduced by Chhipa community artisans, who migrated from Gujarat and other parts of Rajasthan to Sanganer. Political unrest and frequent invasions drove these craftsmen to settle in safer regions. Sanganer, located along the banks of the Dhundh River, provided ideal conditions for textile printing—the availability of clear running water, proximity to the pink city of Jaipur (a royal market hub), and access to skilled artisans made it a perfect home for the craft.

Initially, Sanganeri printing catered to the royal families of Jaipur and other princely states. The prints found immense favor among the nobility for their fine cotton fabrics and intricate floral motifs that reflected Mughal aesthetics. The artisans, influenced by Persian designs and local Rajasthani motifs, created a fusion style that set Sanganeri prints apart from other textile traditions of India.

Sanganeri hand block printing is a labor-intensive and detailed process, involving numerous stages from fabric preparation to finishing. Traditionally, pure cotton or mulmul fabrics were used, though today silk, chiffon, and other blends have joined the mix.

1. Fabric Preparation: The cloth is first washed thoroughly to remove starch, dust, or oil, and then soaked in a solution of water and reetha (natural soap nut) to improve its dye-absorbing quality.

2. Design and Block Making: The heart of Sanganeri printing lies in its hand-carved wooden blocks. Skilled artisans carve intricate designs on blocks made of seasoned teak or sycamore wood. Each block may take several days to create, depending on the complexity of the pattern.