ZPWClaudio at 01:13, 4 May 2026

2026-05-04T01:13:35Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2024}}
{{short description|Traditional hand block printing of Bagru, India}}
{{Infobox geographical indication
| name = Bagru Print
| image = | country = India
| area = [[Bagru]], [[Rajasthan]]
| status = Registered
| date_registered = 2024
| description = Traditional hand block printing using natural dyes.
| type = Handicraft
| material = [[Cotton]], [[silk]], [[Tussar silk|tussar]], [[Kota Doria|kota doria]], chanderi
}}

'''Bagru print''' is a traditional form of [[Woodblock_printing_on_textiles|hand block printing]] originating from the town of [[Bagru]], near [[Jaipur]], in [[Rajasthan]], India. The craft is practiced by the [[Chhipa]] community, known for their expertise in dyeing and block printing. It has been an integral part of Rajasthan's textile history for over 400 years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/garments-/-textiles/a-prayer-for-the-dyeing-struggles-of-chhipa-community-in-rajasthan/articleshow/66890188.cms?from=mdr|title=A prayer for the dyeing: Struggles of Chhipa community in Rajasthan|first=Ishani|last=Duttagupta|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref>
[[File:Woman doing Block Printing at Bagru village, Jaipur, India.jpg|thumb|Woman doing Block Printing at Bagru village, Jaipur, India]]
==History==
The tradition of Bagru printing is closely tied to the region of Bagru and its local community, the Chippas. The art form is deeply rooted in local culture and has been practiced by generations of artisans. These artisans utilize hand-carved wooden blocks to print intricate designs on cotton fabrics, a technique that has been passed down through the centuries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.morningnewsindia.com/business/news/bagru-print-jaipur-block-printing-hindi-2024/|title=बगरू प्रिंट: 470 साल पुरानी कला जो विदेशों में भी है फेमस, जानें इसके बारे में|language=hi|access-date=2024-05-15|newspaper=Morning News India}}</ref>

The term "Chippa" refers to the artisans involved in both dyeing and block printing, which are vital components of the Bagru printing process.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.morningnewsindia.com/business/news/bagru-print-jaipur-block-printing-hindi-2024/|title=बगरू प्रिंट: 470 साल पुरानी कला जो विदेशों में भी है फेमस, जानें इसके बारे में|language=hi|access-date=2024-05-15|newspaper=Morning News India}}</ref>

==Techniques and characteristics==
The Bagru print is characterized by the use of natural dyes, which are derived from plants and minerals. These dyes include indigo (for blue), madder root (for red), and iron filings (for black). The traditional printing technique involves applying the "Dabu" method, a mud-resist process in which clay, gum, and millet chaff are used to create resist patterns on the fabric.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hindi.rajras.in/rajasthan/kala/hastkala/|title=राजस्थान की हस्तकलाएं|language=hi|access-date=2024-05-15|website=RajRAS}}</ref>

[[File:Wooden Printing Block Stamp.jpg|thumb|Wooden Printing Block Stamp]]

Wooden blocks are carved from hardwoods like sheesham or teak, chosen for their durability and ability to hold intricate designs. The process involves carving the block with specialized tools and using it to transfer patterns onto fabric. The resulting designs often feature floral patterns, geometric shapes, and motifs inspired by nature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/rajasthan/jaipur-jaipur-bagru-print-is-famous-internationally-7790535.html|title=जयपुर की बगरू प्रिंट अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर पर है मशहूर, जानें इसकी खासियत|language=hi|access-date=2024-05-15|newspaper=News18 Rajasthan}}</ref>

==Cultural significance==
Bagru print has garnered international recognition, with the craft exported to countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, Japan, and Australia. The craft has been crucial to the local economy in Rajasthan, supporting countless artisans and their families.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/rajasthan/jaipur-jaipur-bagru-print-is-famous-internationally-7790535.html|title=जयपुर की बगरू प्रिंट अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्तर पर है मशहूर, जानें इसकी खासियत|language=hi|access-date=2024-05-15|newspaper=News18 Rajasthan}}</ref>

The craft has also been a point of pride in Rajasthan, associated with cultural identity. Prominent figures, including former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, are known to have worn Bagru print sarees, which contributed to the art's growing popularity.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.patrika.com/jaipur-news/indira-gandhi-liked-bagru-print-sarees-he-was-deeply-connected-from-jaipur-1-1720422|title=इंदिरा गांधी को पसंद थी बगरू प्रिंट की साड़ियां, जयपुर से था गहरा नाता|language=hi|access-date=2024-05-15|newspaper=Patrika}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.patrika.com/bagru-1/bagru-print-again-emerged-at-the-national-level-4597452|title=राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर फिर उभरी बगरू प्रिंट, विदेशों में भी है मांग|language=hi|access-date=2024-05-15|newspaper=Patrika}}</ref>

==Bagru Print GI Tag==
In 2024, Bagru print was granted the [[Geographical Indication]] (GI) tag, which officially recognizes the craft's unique and authentic nature. This designation helps protect the traditional techniques from imitation and ensures that products made with Bagru print are properly identified and associated with their region of origin.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/rajasthan/jaipur/news/rajasthan-news-sanganeri-and-bagru-print-also-got-special-recognition-from-gi-085111-6769077.html|title=संगानेरी और बगरू प्रिंट को जीआई टैग से मिली विशेष पहचान|language=hi|access-date=2024-05-15|newspaper=Dainik Bhaskar}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianculture.gov.in/snippets/craft-hand-block-printing|title=Craft of Hand Block Printing|access-date=2024-05-15|website=Indian Culture}}</ref>

==Challenges==
The Bagru print industry faces several challenges, including competition from mass-produced textiles and the rise of synthetic dyes, which threaten the preservation of traditional methods. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the global demand for Bagru printed textiles, affecting local artisans. However, efforts are being made to preserve the craft by promoting online sales and organizing exhibitions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.morningnewsindia.com/business/news/bagru-print-jaipur-block-printing-hindi-2024/|title=बगरू प्रिंट: 470 साल पुरानी कला जो विदेशों में भी है फेमस, जानें इसके बारे में|language=hi|access-date=2024-05-15|newspaper=Morning News India}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Bagru]]
* [[Block printing in India]]
* [[Dabu printing]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Textile printing]]
[[Category:Relief printing]]
[[Category:Rajasthani arts]]
[[Category:Painted fabrics]]
[[Category:Textile arts of India]]
[[Category:Indian handicrafts]]
[[Category:Indian clothing]]
[[Category:Printed fabrics]]
[[Category:Culture of India]]

Bagru print - Revision history

ZPWClaudio at 01:13, 4 May 2026