Block Print Maroon & White Bagh Saree

Bagh prints are famous for their high-quality printing and vibrant vegetable colors. They are easily recognizable by their repetitive geometric patterns in red and black, block printed on a white base. Khaki and mustard colors are applied to the fabric after printing.

The block designs, some nearly 200 years old, are still in use, with new variations added every six months to meet market demands. Old blocks, such as Nandana Laheriya and Jodhpuri Jawareya, continue to find a market. Various products, including cotton bedcovers, saris in different materials, cushion covers, table covers, dupattas, stoles, durries, and salwar suit material, showcase Bagh prints.

The origin of Bagh hand block prints is estimated to be around a thousand years old, passed down through generations within families. While the exact origin date is uncertain, the unique designs and the use of vegetable dyes distinguish Bagh prints from other regions. The Baghini River's presence likely influenced the settlement, providing suitable conditions for vegetable dyeing.

Limited written records exist about this craft, but the craft's revival during the Moscow festival and its mention in publications like "Vishwakarma" and "1001 Saris of India" authenticate its tradition.

The production process involves raw materials such as cotton mulmul, cotton cambric, and yardage fabric. Maheshwari suit material, kosa silk, bamboo chicks, and cotton durries are produced on order. Different fabrics like chiffon, crepe, georgette, tissue, and mulberry silk are occasionally used.

The production method includes soaking the fabric, treating it with a paste, and preparing printing pastes for red and black colors. Wooden blocks with intricate designs are used for printing, and the fabric undergoes several stages of washing, drying, and boiling. The final product includes cotton bedcovers, saris, cushion covers, table covers, dupattas, stoles, durries, and salwar suit material.

The uniqueness of Bagh prints lies in their ancient block designs, the utilization of vegetable dyes, and the intricate production process that imparts distinct quality and colors to the fabric, maintaining a bold yet harmonious appearance in black & white and red & white combinations.