Block Printing - Sanganer
Rajasthan as the hub of craft and culture houses many traditional crafts and among them the most practiced and known craft is hand block printing. Printing is done at several places in Rajasthan and each place has historical, cultural and geographical impact and influences on the craft of hand printing. Regional variations do exist and each region has a distinctive style of its own. The region of Sanganer has emerged as one such centre for the age old craft of hand block printing. Sanganer is a small village situated around 30 km from the walled city of Jaipur and considered to be the most prosperous place in Jaipur. The village has been a major centre for very fine block-cutting and printing units accommodating more than 5000 block printers. The water of the river Saraswati flowing from Sanganer is considered to be having special quality that brings out the radiance from the natural dyed fabric. The village of Sanganer is also famous for its handmade paper industry and Jain temples. The prints of Sanganer have their own distinctive style and patterns. They are known for bright colors, delicate lines which are usually printed against a white background. The craft flourished under the royal patronage, and by the end of the 18th century this industry was fully developed in Sanganer.
The craft of printed textile is prevalent since olden days. In India it is believed to be dating back to 12th century. Since then the craft has been flourishing due to the royal patronages. Selected for its abundance of soft water and clay suitable for the process of sun bleaching fabrics, Sanganer was developed into a major printing centre under the patronage of the Jaipur royal family. The earliest mentioned centers for block printings were located in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. During the regime of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 18th century the craft started building its roots in Sanganer. The place was suitable for the craft as it had a river flowing through it which helped the artisans with constant water source for washing and dyeing the products. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh invited printers from Andhra and Gujarat to settle in this newly developed block printing village.
