Indian Artistry: Block Printing & Floor Designs

Introduction

Block printing and floor designs in India were sophisticated artistic endeavors, blending meticulous craftsmanship with cultural symbolism. From intricately carved blocks to elaborate patterns adorning floors, these practices reflected the ingenuity and aesthetic sensibilities of the time.

Block Printing in India 

• Block printing is a form of dying and colouring a fabric using wooden or metal blocks to create beautiful designs; sometimes, linoleum blocks are also used. 
  • India is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of block-printed fabric in the world. 

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Centers of Block Printing in India 

• Gujarat
  • In Gujarat, this form of hand printing has been practised and perpetuated by the Pethapur families. They make intricate blocks and print their textiles using the mud resist-printing method. These prints are called Saudagiri (trader) prints.
  • Dhamadka village in Gujarat is known for a block-printed fabric called Ajrakh. Ajrakh includes geometric designs using natural colours such as red from the madder root, black from a rusty iron solution and blue from indigo.
  • In Kutch, the popular patterns are black and red designs of birds, animals, and dancing girls. 
  • The saris of Ahmedabad and Baroda have large mango patterns against a red or blue background.
• Rajasthan
  • The Chhipa Community in Rajasthan possesses a majority of block carvers, dyers and printers in India. They make colourful prints of birds, animals, human figures, gods and goddesses. 
  • The important centres for hand printing are Jaipur, Bangru, Sanganer, Pali and Barmer.
  • Sanganer is famous for its Calico-printed bed covers, quilts and saris. In Calico printing, the outlines are first printed, and then the colour is filled in.
  • In Doo Rookhi printing, the artists print on both sides of the cloth.
  • Bagru (a town in Rajasthan) is famous for its Syahi-Begar and Dabu prints. The former are designs in black and yellow ochre or cream. The latter are prints in which portions are hidden from the dye by applying a resist paste.
• Punjab
• •  Block printing was the art of a group of textile workers called Chhimba. The designs were usually floral and geometrical.
  • Traditional designs have been displaced today, and chemical ones have replaced vegetable dyes. 
• West Bengal
• • Serampur is the center of block printing. It is well-known for its bold and vibrant patterns.
• Andhra Pradesh
• • The block printing method is applied to create the exquisite Kalamkari Painting. 
  • As the name suggests, Kalamkari is artwork (Kari) created with a pen (kalam). It is a combination of hand painting and block printing.
  • The two major centers of Kalamkari art are SriKalahasti and Masulipatnam.
    • Srikalahasti Kalamkari work:  Here, the themes of Hindu mythological stories are painted in the panels, and a script is painted along the border. The popular motifs are Hindu gods and goddesses. The work is done entirely with a brush-like pen.
    • Masulipatnam: Here, Persian motifs like trees, creepers, flowers and leaf designs are mainly done on bed covers, curtains and garments.

Floor Designs

• Floor designs, spanning regions and cultures, are a widely cherished art form. These designs are commonly crafted during religious or family occasions. 
  • They are usually created freehand, using natural materials and colours. 
  • The choice of materials underscores their temporary nature and easy erasability, aligning with the art’s traditional essence.
• Chowkpurna (Punjab, Uttar Pradesh) and Aipan (Himachal Pradesh) designs use squares, circles, and triangles as basic motifs.
• Mandana (Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh) features patterns of squares, hexagons, triangles, and circles. 
• The Ground is coated with cow dung and finished with crimson red (from mixing reti) for preparation.
• Kolam designs in South India link an array of dots made with powdered rice or crushed stone on wet ground. 
  • It is also known as Hase in Karnataka, Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh, and Golam in Kerala.
• Mandapa Kolams are large designs exclusively for marriage ceremonies, made with wet rice paste.
• Graha Kolams sanctify spaces for worship in households each morning.
• Jhonti (Odisha) and Aripana (West Bengal, Assam) designs feature stylized motifs like conch shells, fish, serpents, and flowers. 
  • The designs are drawn with chalk powder, and filled with coloured powder or rice paste. Flowers are often placed before each Aripana design.

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Conclusion

• The enduring legacy of block printing and floor designs in India attests to their significance in shaping visual culture. 
  • Through intricate motifs and precise techniques, they not only adorned surfaces but also served as expressions of identity, tradition, and artistic excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.