Bandhani: The oldest tie-dye technique in India

Category: INDIAN HERITAGE TEXTILE

Country: India

Region: Asia Pacific

Bandhani is the oldest known method of tie-dye in India. Many believe that the muslim Khatri community of Kutch region were the first to use this form of dying.

Bandhani, also known as Bandhej or Bandhni, is a traditional tie-dye textile art form that originated in the Indian state of Gujarat and has been practiced for centuries. It involves the process of tying small points or knots on a piece of fabric before dyeing it, resulting in a variety of intricate patterns and designs. Bandhani is commonly used in creating sarees, dupattas (long scarves), turbans, and other traditional garments.

How is it made? The word Bandhani is derived from the Sanskrit word bandhana, which means to tie. The process of creating Bandhani fabric starts with the selection of a lightweight fabric, usually cotton or silk. The fabric is washed and dyed in a base color. Then, skilled artisans meticulously tie small portions of the fabric with thread, forming tiny knots. These knots serve as resist points, preventing the dye from penetrating those areas.

Once the fabric is prepared with knots, it is dipped into a dye bath. The fabric is usually dipped multiple times, with different colors used for each dye bath. The artisans carefully untie the knots after each dyeing, revealing the areas of the fabric that remained undyed. This process is repeated several times, with different sections of the fabric being tied and dyed to create intricate patterns and designs.

The result of the Bandhani technique is a vibrant and colorful fabric with various patterns such as dots, waves, squares, and more. The patterns and designs can vary greatly, ranging from simple and symmetrical to complex and abstract. The combination of vibrant colors and intricate patterns gives Bandhani fabric its unique and eye-catching appeal.

Bandhani fabrics are widely used to make traditional Indian garments such as sarees, salwar kameez, dupattas, and turbans. They are also used in home furnishings, including bedspreads, curtains, and cushion covers. Bandhani textiles are highly valued for their craftsmanship, beauty, and cultural significance.

History

The origins of bandhani can be traced back over 5,000 years to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Excavations at the archaeological sites of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa have revealed evidence of tie-dye textiles, indicating that the technique has been practiced in the region for millennia.

There are several prominent Indian designers who are known for their bandhani designs. Anita Dongre, Sabyasachi, Neeta Lulla and Urvashi Kaur are a few names who have created some brilliant pieces from bandhani and infused it with their signature style.

Courtesy: Msn.com