BLACK AJRAKH MODAL SILK SAREE

The highly skilled and patterned ajrakh block-printing came to Kutch from Sind 400 years ago when the Muslim Khatris (artisans who apply color to cloth) settled in the village of Dhamadka. Against the dull canvas of the Kutch desert, the rich and bold colors of the textiles are strikingly displayed. The millennia-old tradition of weaving and dyeing textiles originated in the Indus Valley region in the North West of India and is still practiced in abundance today. The cloth is washed in water to remove any finish applied in the mill or workshop. It is then dyed in a cold solution of myrobalan (powdered nut of the harde tree). A resist of lime and gum arabic is printed onto the cloth to define the outline of the design. This is known as rekh. The cloth is finally dyed and washed off.
Combining Ajarak printing with modal silk creates a fabric that not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ajarak technique but also offers the luxurious feel and drape of modal silk. This blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern material results in unique and elegant textiles that are often used for clothing, scarves, and other fashion accessories. The intricate Ajarak patterns stand out beautifully on the smooth surface of the modal silk, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate both traditional artistry and contemporary style.