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Santosh Dhanopia

image Art Form:
Sanganeri - Bagru Printing

image Home Address:
29, Ganesh Colony, Near Ganesh Mandir, Sanganer, Jaipur 302029

image Award: State Award - 2004-05, National Award - 2005, Shilp Guru Award - 2008

image Note:

Sanganeri is a hand-block printing technique originating from Sanganer, a village in the southern part of Jaipur, Rajasthan. This form of textile printing is almost 5 centuries old and till date holds a prominent place in the world of weavers and craftsmen.

Delicate patterns and lines with vibrant colored designs are the defining factors for this kind of printing technique. The Sanganeri printing technique developed between the 16th and 17th century. The constant wars between the Mughals and Marathas caused several craftsmen to migrate from Gujarat to Rajasthan. This craft ultimately found its haven in Sanganer, where it has been thriving ever since. It became one of the major export items for the East India Company, and its trademark was the original dye used for printing designs. This dye soon became a matter of significance in European culture as well. Royal patronage and heritage inspired the great cultivation in this form of craft, which has been around for years. Rich traders and royal families have propagated this art and its influence has spread far and wide into the fundamental nature of Indian tradition and culture.

The dyers originally came from Punjab and Sindh and belonged to a community known as the chippa community. The majority of them are Muslims. The most interesting fact is that entire family, including children, get involved in the process. Today, nearly 3000 people are employed in practicing this craft on a professional level. There is a great variety in the types of designs and patterns used in Sanganeri print, which includes all kinds of flower motifs, the main ones being of sunflower, roses and narcissus. Apart from flowers, designs depicting various gods, fruits and folk scenes are also popular. The curves and patterns majorly depict the cultural flora and fauna of Sanganer.

Interesting Facts is that Before the dyers start the process, sand and water is sprinkled on the printing table which is then covered with a wet cloth. The simple and creative style of this block printing technique makes it popular amongst all kinds of women across age groups. With technology gaining importance, dyers have started experimenting with unusual color combinations. Overlapping of colors such as red and pink, or purple and orange is not very uncommon nowadays.

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