Five types of Indian fabric prints you must embrace

As fashion sensibilities become more individualistic, original, and organic; it is perhaps the best time to return to our roots and rediscover the designs indigenous to India. Here are five different types of prints that originate from India.

BandhaniOne of the characteristic Indian designs that have found appeal internationally as well, Bandhani is native to Gujarat and Rajasthan. The name is derived from the word ‘bandhna’ which means to tie, wherein portions of fabric are tied around a pebble and then dipped in dye. It is then unwound when dry, to reveal its beautiful patterns.

Patola
Arising from the Patan region of Gujarat, Patola is a type of weave that can be done on cotton, silk, or blended fabrics. It is one of the most expensive weaves as the weave is very complicated. Dating back to the 12th century, it was once the preferred option for the royalty.

Ajrakh
Emerging from the Sindh region of Pakistan and Gujarat and Rajasthan in India, Ajrakh is a form of block printing. Mostly dominated by dyes in the colours of black, Indigo, green, red, and yellow; it has been commonly sported on turbans and stoles.

Batik
With its birth attributed to being somewhere in the Middle East and parts of Asia, Batik is a form of tie and dye method, albeit, using wax to create the alluring patterns. It is dominated by floral patterns in earthy colours, with occasional use of bright shades.

Kalamakari
Literally meaning ‘drawn with a pen’, the motifs mostly depict stories and characters from Indian mythology and culture, as well as floral and animal prints. Kalamkari did gain popularity in recent times as it got a foothold in the current Indian wardrobes by getting reinvented into modern designs and motifs on saris, kurtas, shirts, etc.