Bagh print saree

I am wearing a bagh print cotton saree. Bagh print has its roots in Sindh. The art of Bagh printing then moved eastwards to Marwar (Rajasthan) and later to Manavar (Madhya Pradesh) with the migration of the craftsmen.  Over time, the style of Bagh Printing has evolved and attained uniqueness. The present form of Bagh printing actually started in 1962 when the craftsmen migrated from Manavar to the neighbouring town of Bagh situated in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh and hence Bagh has always been associated with this printing style.

Origin & History

Bagh printing is essentially block printing, which is a technique that has been practised for several centuries. The earliest evidence of block printing dates back to the time of Alexander the Great, wherein he has specifically mentioned India’s ‘beautiful printed cotton’. However, there is some evidence that goes onto prove that block printing was also prevalent in the Indus Valley civilization, hence the practice of using printing blocks for textile printing can be dated as far as 3000 BC

Sources of Inspiration

Bagh printing basically involved blocks that are carved onto motifs that represent flora such as Jasmine, Mushroom, lehariya and so on. There are some prints that were inspired by the jaali work that embellished the Taj Mahal and various other forts. Inspiration is also drawn from the landscapes and geometrical figures. The motifs evoke various moods in the serenity of the prints and that is the catchy element of Bagh prints.

Faces behind the Fabric

Bagh village is the place where Bagh printing is sourced and exclusively conducted. It is basically controlled and operated by five-six Muslim Khatri households of Bagh who are also the proprietors of the manufacturing facilities at Bagh. The artisans who are adept at the craft in these facilities are from various communities such as Teli, Bhillala, Bhil and Rajput. The Bagh prints are basically floral and geometrical patterns and the blocks for Bagh printing are crafted with great skill by block makers that reside in Pethapur, Gujarat.

Present Day Scenario

‘Bagh prints’  are an all time favourite in the Indian subcontinent primarily because the material is very comfortable and soft. Bagh prints are very fashionable and people are developing a new connection with this beautiful art form which is a part of the rich Indian textile heritage.  Eco-friendly in nature, since Bagh prints make use of vegetable dyes, this art is gaining a lot of recognition worldwide and indigenously too, with the Government taking initiatives in trying to support and reform this craft.

Maintenance

Bagh printed fabrics are washed three times before being sent out to the market. Generally colour does not leak from the fabric.

Global Wearability

Bagh textiles are usually cotton based and very soft. These are an all time wear as they can be used in all seasons and climates. A lot of international attention is being given to Bagh printing due to its eco-friendly production process and Bagh printed merchandise has a huge market abroad.

Interesting Facts and Comparisons

• Bagh is actually the name of a small tribal town located in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh and is the base for Bagh printing.
• Before the printing takes place, the fabric is washed and sun-dried.  After drying, the fabric is soaked in a mix of goat droppings and castor oil so that it can make the fabric more absorbent.
• Bagh printing is completed after the second process of dying in which the fabric is placed in a big copper container of water in which Dhavadi and Alizarin flowers are boiled.
• The dyes used in Bagh printing are vegetable based and the main colours are red and black.