The dramatic use of red and black in Bagh print sarees, which derive from the Bhil and Bhilala civilizations in Madhya Pradesh, India, contributes to its visual impact. It was during the Mughal invading period when the Bagh printers migrated south from Rajasthan. Because of the river's high copper content, they stayed. They still practise traditional block printing in a few small workshops today.
An Indian handicraft known as Bagh block print is practised in Bagh, Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh. You can tell it's a hand-block print since the colours are all-natural. The town of Bagh, which is on the banks of the Bagh River, gave the area its name. On a white background, this classic textile pattern contains red and black geometric and floral motifs repeated.
Muslim Khatris relocated to Bagh in 1962, when they started using the Bagh print, which is still popular in Madhya Pradesh today. Since moving, they have continued to practise their traditional art form. As a result, the printing style was renamed Bagh block printing in order to better reflect local customs. Bagh printed textiles and garment materials have undergone significant changes over the years, as you'll read about in the sections that follow.
The Means of Production
Cotton or silk fabric, natural dyes, and wooden blocks are the primary materials used to create Bagh print sarees & accessories. Cotton is readily available in the nearby markets of Indore. Silk-by-cotton fabric is also available in the towns of Maheshwar and Chanderi. Cambric cloth from Mumbai and Mulmul fabric from Bhiwandi are used to make garment materials.
Indore and Mumbai produce silk textiles including 'georgette,' 'crepe,' and 'chiffon'. 'Tussar' silk is produced in the cities of Raigarh and Bhopal. Finally, 'Dhaka Jute' is purchased in Delhi. A hot water bath with raw salt and goat faeces is used to begin making the cloth. The golden colour of the fabric comes from this phase. The cloth is then washed, stretched, and dried in the open air. After soaking and boiling alum and tamarind seeds in a huge copper pot, we extract the red colour of the Bagh print.
It is then dried, treated once again in Baghini's running waters, and finally cooked in a mixture of alizarin, dried flowers, and herbs such as harra that complete the printing process.
Patterns & Motifs of the Bagh Print Sarees
Blocks depicting flowers like Jasmine and mushrooms are carved and used in Bagh hand printing. It was inspired by the jaali work on the Taj Mahal and other forts in India. Additional sources of inspiration include landscapes and mathematical figures. One of the most appealing things about Bagh prints is the variety of emotions they express in their prints.
Behind the Fabric: Faces
Bagh block printing has its origins in the Bagh region and is still practised today. The Bagh industrial plants are owned by five Muslim Khatri families from Bagh, who dominate and run the country. Craftsmen from Teli, Bhilala, Bhil, and Rajput communities labour in these factories, as well as others. Block producers in Pethapur, Gujarat, craft the intricate floral and geometric patterns as well as the blocks used in Bagh printing. They've been doing this for a long time and have honed their printing skills. They are among India's most creative artists, despite their poor roots.
In the Present Day
As a result of the material's ease and softness, Bagh print sarees, dupattas, scarfs etc. are extremely popular throughout the Indian subcontinent. Bedspreads, tablecloths, pillowcases, and runners are just a few examples of the great variety of Bagh-printed fabrics that are available. Bagh printers are now employing a wide range of fashionable and contemporary patterns to meet the needs of today's consumers.
Besides cotton, we can make Bagh printed textiles from a variety of other materials, including Silk, Crepe, and Tussar. It's possible that the Khatris, who have trained and inspired over a thousand individuals to take up block printing, have saved this important legacy from extinction.
Currently, top-tier fashion designers are on the lookout for prints created using Bagh block printing techniques.
Bagh block print sarees are also a statement piece for fashion-conscious shoppers. When it comes to contemporary Bagh-printed goods like sarees, stoles, scarves, face masks and dupatta, Kalakari India is a well-known brand among the many vendors of these textiles.
Upkeep
We washed fabrics with Bagh prints three times before we sent them to the market. The fabric does not lose its colour when washed. Most manufacturers recommend that you dry clean your Bagh-printed clothing the first time you wear it. Taking care of it is simple and doesn't require any extra attention. Bagh hand-printed textiles can be maintained for a long period with a mild wash. You can Follow us on Instagram for all the latest happenings & product updates of Kalakari India!
Wearability
Many Bagh materials, like cotton, are very supple. For all seasons and weather situations, these are a must-have. Bagh printing's environmentally friendly production method has garnered a great deal of interest across the globe. We can wear Bagh print sarees for any occasion because of their comfort.
Read our latest blog, How To Spot A Traditional Maheshwari Saree From Miles Away
Bagh printed textiles are their speciality, and they put their stamp on each and every one of them. As a result, each piece of clothes and other textile is meticulously crafted one at a time by hand.
The Kalakari India's Sarees, Suits, Scarfs, etc. are coloured in organic colours that are long-lasting and gentle on the skin.
With their unique and vibrant designs, they make an impactful statement about India's rich cultural heritage. Kalakari India's Bagh print sarees and dupattas are ideal for a wide range of official and informal events, including business meetings and social events. We have an exquisite collection of handcrafted sarees that you can check out here. It's our mission to bring back the Bagh block prints that have been in high demand for centuries.