SODAGARI BLOCK PRINT : A GLIMPSE INTO AHMEDABAD'S HERITAGE CULTURE
In the heart of India’s western state of Gujarat lies Ahmedabad, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. One
such tradition that has thrived for centuries and continues to captivate enthusiasts and art connoisseurs is Sodagari block print. This
intricate and exquisite form of block printing is a testament to the city’s cultural vibrancy.
Sodagari block print derives its name from the term “sodagar,” which means a traveler or merchant. This art form, deeply rooted in history, reflects the city’s historical significance as a hub for trade and commerce. The designs found in Sodagari block print are a visual narrative of the city’s past, showcasing its fusion of cultures and the traditions of its people.
Artisans in Ahmedabad meticulously carve intricate patterns into wooden blocks, creating a unique visual language that tells stories of bygone eras. These patterns often feature elements like florals, geometric shapes, and intricate motifs, drawing inspiration from the region’s diverse heritage
Sodagari block print derives its name from the term “sodagar,” which means a traveler or merchant. This art form, deeply rooted in history, reflects the city’s historical significance as a hub for trade and commerce. The designs found in Sodagari block print are a visual narrative of the city’s past, showcasing its fusion of cultures and the traditions of its people.
Artisans in Ahmedabad meticulously carve intricate patterns into wooden blocks, creating a unique visual language that tells stories of bygone eras. These patterns often feature elements like florals, geometric shapes, and intricate motifs, drawing inspiration from the region’s diverse heritage
Handprinted from wooden blocks made from Pethapur, these prints are popular among
people in South East Asia. The motifs used for these prints are derived from the fauna and
flora of –Gujarat.
Block Printing such as Sodagari Block print is achieved by engraving delicate patterns on blocks of wood and then filling them with color. These patterns are then pressed onto the fabric to create the desired look. Craftsmen who work in block printing tend to only use teak wood mainly because this type of wood has the perfect base for carving because it is extremely strong and does not get affected by external elements such as water. As a result, a single block can be reused as many times as a craftsman may desire.
Block Printing such as Sodagari Block print is achieved by engraving delicate patterns on blocks of wood and then filling them with color. These patterns are then pressed onto the fabric to create the desired look. Craftsmen who work in block printing tend to only use teak wood mainly because this type of wood has the perfect base for carving because it is extremely strong and does not get affected by external elements such as water. As a result, a single block can be reused as many times as a craftsman may desire.
HISTORY OF SODAGARI BLOCK PRINT
The initial name of Sodagari was “Saudagiri” derived
from the Persian word “Saudii” that means “Goods for
Sale” i.e. Trade.
India is a country full of diverse culture in every aspects including the luxury art & crafts. The history of one such interesting art is Sodagari Blockprinting. The Sodagari Printing was done around 300 years ago in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and was gifted by the Royal Families of India to the Royal Families of Siam (currently Thailand), Egypt, Turkey, Yemen, Saudi majorly.
Sodagari Blockprinting is more detail-oriented and intricate than normal blockprinting. And that is the reason why many people have stopped doing it; because of its time-consuming process. But only a few families of Ahmedabad, Gujarat saved this extinct craft by keeping a firm hold of their roots. World War II affected the world economy in a major aspect and Sodagari Blockprinting was no different than other goods. After the modernization of everything, big blocks replaced the intricate blocks of Saudagiri and slowly this art form was on a verge of extinction. Now only a few members of Chhipa community are able to preserve this art form and their mission is to represent India’s rich and diverse heritage at a Global level.
India is a country full of diverse culture in every aspects including the luxury art & crafts. The history of one such interesting art is Sodagari Blockprinting. The Sodagari Printing was done around 300 years ago in Ahmedabad, Gujarat and was gifted by the Royal Families of India to the Royal Families of Siam (currently Thailand), Egypt, Turkey, Yemen, Saudi majorly.
Sodagari Blockprinting is more detail-oriented and intricate than normal blockprinting. And that is the reason why many people have stopped doing it; because of its time-consuming process. But only a few families of Ahmedabad, Gujarat saved this extinct craft by keeping a firm hold of their roots. World War II affected the world economy in a major aspect and Sodagari Blockprinting was no different than other goods. After the modernization of everything, big blocks replaced the intricate blocks of Saudagiri and slowly this art form was on a verge of extinction. Now only a few members of Chhipa community are able to preserve this art form and their mission is to represent India’s rich and diverse heritage at a Global level.