Yarns of cloth: Textile based handicraft villages near Bhuj

A part of eastern Kachchh and one of the important places in the region Bhuj is traditional and at  the same time modern too. Playing an vital role on the history of the region Bhuj served as a capital of the Jadeja Rajput rulers. More recently it was devastated during the earthquake of 2001. This area is seismically  very active and the entire topography of the place bears changes brought in by earthquakes.

Bhuj is the nearest town for visiting all the villages located along the periphery of the white desert. These villages are famous for their handicrafts, each one specializing in a particular form. This post of mine would be dedicated to the vibrant handicrafts of this dry and arid land. It is probably as a relief from the harsh environs that these villages took to handicrafts, so colorful, that it fills their lives with color

The handicraft villages, starting with the ones close to Bhuj

Bhujodi: Weaving and a textile handicraft center town, Bhujodi is just 8 kms away. Vankars are the main inhabitants of this village . There are around 1200 people of this community still engaged in weaving colorful stoles, shawls, carpets etc with a variety of medium like the cotton, wool, silk etc  If you are around, do visit the place of Vankar Vishram Valji, a national award winner. His son Ramji will not only show you their work, would also treat you like personal guests.The place is also known for its tie and dye or the bandhani artists. Bhujodi is also home to Shrujan, a NGO involved in promotion of textile and embroidery related handicrafts. Its also the home to Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park, a exhibition cum retail place for all handicrafts of this region.

The humble house of Vankar Vishram Valji

This is where the weaving happens

Ajrakhpur and Dhamadka: Known for the famous block prints, Ajrakhpur is located around 10 kms from Bhuj and Dhamadka a little further. Ajrakh print has an interesting story attached to its name. Ajrakh is an ancient form of art using vegetable dye and hand made blocks, During the days of kings, apparently bedspreads were changed everyday. One particular day it was a spread with block prints, the king fell in love with the prints and asked his servant not to change the bedspread for that day by saying Aj Rakh (Keep it for today in Hindi). Hence the name Ajrakh. It is an lengthy and an interesting process of dyeing and printing the cloth with dyes and colors derived out of natural ingredients like pomegranate, tamarind, henna, indigo etc. The blocks are also hand carved with various designs.

Various pieces of ajrakh printed cloth being dried out

The base of Ajrakh!!

Dhaneti : Situated around 26kms from Bhuj, Dhaneti specializes in embroidery. Ladies of the village are engaged in Ahir and Rabari embroidery. Shrujan, an NGO has active collaboration with the ladies of this village for its products, many home factories run out of the village.