Block Printing Akola

Introduction: –

This block printing has derived its name from Debu. Dabanna which means to press and is mud-resisting printing that is practiced in the village of Akola in Rajasthan. Women from Jat, Gujjar, and Gadariya tribes wear the fabric that is printed.  Usage of the traditional exclusive Akola motifs in an array of bright red and Indigo, printed using carved wooden blocks.

Usage: –

Before the beginning of industrial textiles, printers were usually an exclusive community that was highly valued as they were only catered to the demands of the total families initially. Women wear Phetiya and Bandana which are women of Gujarat, Jat, and Gadariya communities. Phetiya which are traditional long skirts of women is usually used in combination with Bandhani by ladies. This is 8–12-meter fabric which is according to body type and social stature of individuals.

The significance of this art –

• Around 200-300 women practice this craft.      
• Various motifs like Kahma, Lal Titri, and Dholika have priced possession.
• Phetiya is usually enveloped by exclusive Akola prints. ·       
• Akola Debu prints remain the primeval printing method. ·       
• Porters are usually embedded in the cultural identities of various Rajasthan communities.    
• Block markers carve out beautiful blocks

History: –

The Ancient craft of hand block printing is traced back to the Indus civilization. The craft travelled from India to China in the 18th century with Gujarat and Rajasthan and become the prolific producers of printed textiles in India. Chiapas was the prominent printing community in Rajasthan. They have derived the words – happen which means printed colour patterns on cotton cloths using wooden stamps. They have also worked in harmony with other related communities of Neelgars – (indigo dyers and Range dyers.

Design: –    

• This is a beautiful craft for crafted motifs on fabric which is created for local women.·       
• Patterns are traditional and handed over to newer generations.       
• Motifs designs are picked from nature and objects around them.
• Women from Jat and Gujarat tribes wore the Akola fabric as it is comfortable in daily activities.·       
• Craft in Akola is having a beautiful plethora of 14 traditional block designs that are exclusively printed the fabric pieces.·       
• 4 main motifs- Karma, LAK Title, Holiday, and wanted.·       
• Motifs are prominently known as Akola print which is beautifully covered Phetiya.
• Prints include the zigzag line like the border.
• Use of new blocks and patterns used for the contemporary market·       
• New product has been derived as per the market needs.

Challenges: –

•  This technique is a very lengthy and labour-intensive process.
• This process does not provide enough livelihood to artisans and their families.       
• New generation has been discouraged to see the scope of this age-old family or tradition.
• The ash which is sprinkled to a certain degree poses a hazardous threat to the printer and working around.