Kutch Ajrakh

Table of Contents☰

About Kutch Ajrakh

The Ajrakh is a textile craft, and holds deep roots in the cultural tapestry of Gujarat, particularly in the regions of Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch, where its legacy spans millennia.
The art of Ajrakh entails a meticulous process of hand-block printing on treated cotton cloth, culminating in intricate designs infused with rich symbolism and history.
- Ajrak’s nomenclature originates from ‘Azrak’, meaning indigo, a well-known substance most often employed as a powerful dye to achieve a bluish effect.
- Ajrakh prints have traditionally consisted of three colors:blue which signifies the sky, red which signifies the land and the fire, and white which signifies the stars.
Textiles are treated with vegetable and mineral colours and the fabric goes through a washing cycle about eight times.
This craft was introduced to this region over 400 years back by the Sind Muslims.
Nomadic pastoralist and agricultural communities like the Rabaris, Maldharis, and Ahirs wear Ajrakh printed cloth as turbans, lungis, or stoles.

Q1: What is Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

GI Tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. This is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products.

Source: Ajrakh from Kutch gets GI tag