pushkar (Rajasthan)

Dyed Textile- Region

The art of Bandhani is practiced widely in Rajasthan, with Barmer, Jaipur, Sikar, Jodhpur, Pali, Udaipur, Nathdwara and Bikaner are the main centers. Bandhani comes in a variety of designs, colors and motifs vary according to the region. Every district has its own distinct pattern and method of Bandhini which makes the pattern recognizable and gives it a different name. In Jodhpur, printing on coarse reja cloth, similar to that in Jaipur, was used for the ghaghara - the long skirt worn by women.

It is difficult to trace the origins of this craft to any particular area. According to some references it first developed in Jaipur in the form of Leheriya. But it is also widely believed that it was brought to Kutch from Sindh by Muslim Khatris who are still the largest community involved in the craft. Reference of this art is also found in Bana Bhatt's Harshacharitra and the patterns are seen on Ajanta sculptures.