Handicrafts India

The process of tie and dye in earlier times was done with the use of basic colors extracted from plants. The Shellac was used for reds, Turmeric for yellow, Iron Shavings and Vinegar for black, and Pomegranate rinds for green. This art form reflects an essence of royalty and is created as per the requirement. Shikhara and Chandokhni are, basically, used for bridal purposes. Barah Baag is a design that looks like a bed or garden of flowers, when opened. And Ambadal is a pattern in which branches and leaves are interwoven with various kinds of birds. On the other hand, Chokidal is the pattern of squares with elephants and other animals. All these patterns of tie and dye printing are prevalent in various parts of the country and have their own specialty.

Tie and dye is carried out by bleaching the cloth first and then folding it into layers, as per the thickness of cloth. Then, a designer marks the layout of the pattern with wooden blocks dipped in Geru (Sienna color mixed with water) and craftsmen begin to tie the cloth that is not meant for dyeing. Then, folds of the material within the small motif are lifted and tied. After this, the first set of tied material is dyed in yellow color. Then again, the other part of the material is dyed in red and green. This art style is quite famous in Gujarat as Bandhni and in Rajasthan as Bandhej.