Ajrakh printing is one of the popular traditional crafts of Kutch. The word ‘Ajrakh’ means " keep it today". The Khatri community has been engaged in this craft for many centuries and the technique is handed down from father to son.

Production process

First the fabric is destarched and degummed by washing. Washed cloth is dipped in a solution of Myrobalan and dried. The fabric portion required to retain the original white color is first printed with a resist prepared by using lime, gum and water. Red portion is printed with Alum solution. Portions not covered with resist absorb the blue color which acts as background color. The black color is prepared by using molasses and bits of rusted iron. In the "Minakari" process of printing, lime or clay resists is avoided and the white portions of Ajrakh turn into light blue.

Champakali, Raiya, Kharek, Nipad, Grinari, are the main traditional famous designs used in painting and they are used on bed spreads, lungis, sarees, dress materials, pillow covers and table cloths. Main centers of printing are Dhamanka, Khavda and Bhuj.