TAG: GS 1: ART AND CULTURE
THE CONTEXT: Bela block printing, a traditional craft from the village of Bela in the Rapar block of Kutch, Gujarat, is facing the threat of extinction.
EXPLANATION:
- This craft, once thriving and integral to the region’s cultural heritage, has dwindled in popularity and practice over the years.
- The story of Mansukh Pitambar Khatri, the last custodian of this art, underscores the challenges and the faint glimmer of hope for the survival of Bela block printing.
Bela Block Printing
- It is a traditional textile art form that showcases bold and precise designs on textured fabrics.
- Bela block-print-making can be recognised by its bold and precise patterns on rustic fabrics, created by alternately washing and dyeing with alum and mud resist application.
- It is known for its striking colour combinations and graphic motifs.
- Kachchh in Gujarat remains a significant producer of Bela-style cloth.
- Khatri community is known for practicing this craft.
- Flourishing Trade in Pre-Independence India
- Bela was historically a bustling hub for block printing.
- During the times of undivided India, traders and camel carts were common sights.
- They facilitated vibrant trade between Kutch and Sindh (now in Pakistan).
- Bela block printing, characterized by its bold designs, was a significant part of this trade, flourishing with demand and appreciation.
- Decline Post-Independence
- The partition of India and Pakistan marked the beginning of Bela block printing’s decline.
- The newly drawn borders disrupted the free flow of trade, severely affecting the artisans dependent on it.
- Additionally, the rise of power looms and screen printing further marginalized traditional block printing practices.
- Bela’s remote location, about 180 km from Bhuj, also isolated it from the burgeoning tourist trade that benefited other nearby craft traditions.
- Unlike ajrakh, another famous block printing technique from Kutch known for its thin lines and geometric or floral patterns, Bela printing uses thicker lines and motifs of animals like elephants and horses.
- The resist used in Bela is a mix of mud and bajra flour, differing from the lime and gum mixture used in ajrakh.
- The process of Bela block printing is a fascinating blend of multiple steps and techniques.
- Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Artisans apply an alum paste to the fabric, followed by exposure to sunlight for enhanced color fastness.
- The fabric undergoes permanent dyeing.
- After washing, artisans print the fabric with a mud paste, imparting a blackish hue by boiling it in water containing iron rust.
- Wooden blocks, meticulously carved by skilled artisans, are dipped in natural dyes and pressed onto the fabric to create the desired patterns.
- The wooden blocks used in Bela printing are a work of art themselves. They are carved from seasoned wood and come in various shapes and sizes, featuring intricate geometric, floral, and animal motifs.
- The artisans’ skill and creativity are evident in the precision and detail of the block designs.
Revival Efforts and Support from Khamir
- In 2013, Khamir, an NGO dedicated to preserving local crafts, persuaded Mansukhbhai to resume his work.
- They supported him in relearning the dyeing process and introduced indigo dyeing and new designs.
- This partnership gave Mansukhbhai the platform to showcase his craft to a broader audience, revitalizing his passion and business.
- Bela was recently listed as an endangered craft by the office of the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts.
- This designation is a positive step, as it opens avenues for government-sponsored exhibitions and other forms of support to reach more people.
